PREFACE.

...might notice that, not only in previous
centuries, but even in this of ours,
that singular philosophical blessing
of GOD original: "DEI" has not been denied to
certain men. For certain reasons, it did
not seem advisable to make my name
public, as I do not seek praise for
myself, but strive to be of use to the
lovers of Philosophy: Therefore, I leave
the vain desire for glory to those who
prefer to SEEM rather than to BE.
Those things which I write here in
testimony of the undoubted Philosophical
truth—summarized in a few words—are
drawn from manual experience original: "Manuali experientia" — this refers to practical laboratory work and "hands-on" experimentation as opposed to mere theory
granted to me by the Most High original: "Altissimo",
so that those who have laid the first
and real foundations in this most
praiseworthy science may not, through
this encouragement, abandon the
practice of such beautiful things, and
thus be safe from the wicked crowd of
Smoke-sellers original: "Fumiuendulorum" — a derogatory term for alchemical charlatans who "sold smoke," meaning they made empty promises or used deceptive laboratory tricks to swindle the unwary,
to whom it is sweet to deceive. These
are not dreams, as the ignorant common
folk say, nor the empty inventions of
idle men, as the foolish and unwise—
who laugh at the art—claim. It is the
very Philosophical Truth original: "Veritas... Philosophica"
itself, which, as a lover of truth, in