PREFACE.

original: "PRÆFATIO"

[remedy the] difficult afflictions original: "schwerlichen Zufällen" that befall both body and mind, lightening and softening them; and thus, in this vale of tears German: "Jammerthal"; a common historical and biblical expression for the world as a place of sorrow and trial, they might sustain and conclude this short life with bodily health and delightful joy of the mind—found through the graceful and lovely knowledge of God and the investigation of His wonders within created nature—and finally with honest, necessary sustenance that is not burdensome to fellow humans original: "NebenMenschen", but rather helpful and serviceable.

For this purpose, they have found no nobler or better subject Latin: "Subjectum"; the physical matter or material being acted upon than gold, nor any more serviceable or worthy art than Hermetic Pyrotechnia The Hermetic "fire-art," a technical name for alchemy. This is because among all creatures under the sun, none is found more stable or more complete than gold. Because of its great perfection original: "Perfection", it cannot be destroyed by any element; for this reason, it serves as a remedy against the destruction of bodily health (since all things were created for the benefit of humanity), as well as against the imperfection...