PREFACE

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I might trust myself that I have fully grasped the Mind of the Author original: "mentem Autoris," referring to Johann Joachim Becher., in a matter that is simple and proposed plainly and simply, and which was explained and illustrated with multiple confirmations by the author himself. However, by that very fact, I cannot immediately claim to render the absolute truth, because either his opinion or my own agreement with it does not necessarily rest on a foundation of infallibility and unshakable truth. Once all these things have been weighed without bias, I hope that fair-minded men will be satisfied that I did not refuse to take up this task.

Finally, I add this—which perhaps would have been better to state first—that the distinguished arranger of this new edition The publisher or primary editor who recruited Stahl. did not specifically desire from me a commentary, notes, supplements, or anything of the sort. Instead, he asked only for my opinion on whether, and by what means, some utility or further benefit could be granted to this little book. In this way, I will certainly bring less prejudice to the judgment of others who might feel differently, or perhaps even better, about these goals. I have taken upon myself only as much as I thought would be useful for more correctly and successfully achieving the entire intent and derivation of the book.

To this end, I proposed, first, a Preface; in which not only the purpose for writing this book is indicated, but also the use of the work, just as it is written, is pointed out by way of a forewarning. Second, I proposed an organization of the text itself (for we had agreed by mutual counsel to keep the original form of the whole book exactly, by pages and even lines). This involves not only better punctuation and phrasing original: "periodis & commatibus" than the original, but also a certain distinction of the meaning and the subject matter within such a hodgepodge of noteworthy selections, achieved through different typography: No one would deny that this can bring no small relief to readers who lack the patience for constant re-reading, provided they are equipped with some degree of insight.

Third, I decided to add a Key original: "Clavem"—something I myself have often longed for—by which I mean a rich Index (though I have tried not to follow the custom of clumsy builders who make the key larger than the house!). Fourth, I intended to embrace, express, confirm, and illustrate the author's primary and more general aim in a brief specimen. This aim is the solid doctrine, or rather the Docimasia original Greek-derived Latin: "Docimasiam," referring to the art of assaying or testing the purity of metals and minerals. of the mixture of subterranean things original: "mixtionis subterraneorum," referring to the chemical composition of minerals and metals found underground. based on principles, methods, and instruments recognized and assumed by the Author—and indeed to support his theses and hypotheses Stahl uses these terms to distinguish between Becher's core propositions and his more theoretical explanations. on this matter with even simpler proofs and experiments.

Since the Editor commended all these things to my care and judgment, I applied my mind to preparing the specimen. However, regarding the creation of the Index, as the constraints of time did not permit me to undertake such a task, I sought out a diligent, circumspect, and learned man to...