ON THE PRESENT BOOK.

To the Reader, whoever you are, who takes this book into your hands: know that I have wished to hand down here not empty dreams, but Hermetic matters original: "Hermeticas"; pertaining to the secret wisdom of Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary founder of alchemy and the true science of Alchemy.

CONCERNING THE FIRST MATTER

What many seek, few find. For it is a cheap thing, it is found in dung heaps A common alchemical paradox: the "First Matter" or starting material for the Great Work is often described as something common or filthy that people overlook. and yet most precious. that is, our mercury

GENERAL RULES

1. Pray, read, read, read, read again, work and you shall find. This famous maxim emphasizes that the "Great Work" of alchemy requires both spiritual devotion and tireless study alongside physical laboratory work.
2. Hasten slowly. original: "Festina lente"; a classical proverb suggesting that one should act with a balance of urgency and caution.
3. Do not speak of this except to the sons of the art. The "sons of the art" refers to fellow initiated alchemists who are deemed worthy of the secret knowledge.

If you desire to know the mystery of the Magistery original: "Magisterii"; the mastery or successful completion of the Great Work, culminating in the creation of the Philosopher's Stone, it is necessary that you be pure of heart.