TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS

ROBERT BOYLE,

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

Robert Boyle (1627–1691) was a founding member of the Royal Society and is often called the "Father of Modern Chemistry." Despite his modern reputation, he remained deeply interested in alchemical pursuits throughout his life.

The secrets of Paracelsus Paracelsus (1493–1541) was a Swiss physician and alchemist who argued that the goal of alchemy should be the creation of medicines rather than gold., though praised by many with so many and such great tributes (which were nonetheless still insufficient), were the reason that ten years ago I began to consult Paracelsus himself regarding his medicines. Two years had passed from that time, during which I studied his books day and night original: "diurna nocturnàq;... manu." A classical idiom for tireless, obsessive study. with an untiring and, as it were, unconquered spirit—yet with uneven success and almost no practical benefit. For in the Paracelsian books, besides the concealment of secrets common and customary among the Adepts Adepts: In this context, "Adepts" refers to the legendary masters of alchemy who had successfully discovered the Philosopher's Stone or the universal solvent., I found another layer of concealment added on top, which is indeed less common among...