ISAAC HOLLAND,

Isaac Holland (often referred to as Isaacus Hollandus) was a renowned alchemist, likely active in the 15th century. His works were prized in the 17th century for their perceived practical clarity compared to more "poetic" or obscure authors.

original: "Th. Chym." refers to the Theatrum Chemicum, the most comprehensive collection of alchemical texts ever published in the Western world.

I have spoken to you in open words, using no parables. If I were to speak to you of selbach, Kalcabria, manessi, and of a certain red thing, or of blue muerach, illabar, and calfaria These terms—selbach, manessi, etc.—are "Decknamen" or cover-names. Alchemists used this gibberish to hide the identity of their chemicals from the "unworthy," a practice the author here is rejecting in favor of plain speech., or the like, you would not easily understand; but I have opened the way for you and removed every obstacle, so that you may not go astray.

RIPLEY,

Sir George Ripley (c. 1415–1490) was an English canon and one of the most famous alchemists of the Middle Ages. His works formed the backbone of English alchemical study for centuries.

How those menstruums Menstruums: In alchemy, a "menstruum" is a powerful solvent. The term comes from the Latin for "monthly," relating to the cyclical nature of the work. It is the liquid used to dissolve or "open" a solid metal to begin its transformation. may be obtained, which are oily, moist, sulfurous, and mercurial, well-suited to the nature of metals; with which our bodies In alchemical texts, "bodies" almost always refers to the metals themselves (like gold, lead, or antimony) before they have been dissolved or spiritualized. are to be artificially dissolved.

We shall demonstrate a clear practice.