On the Secrets of the Adepts

[metro]polis. original: "poli," completing the word "metropolis" from the previous page. And when I observed that you, in explaining Natural Philosophy Natural Philosophy: The historical term for the study of nature and the physical universe, the precursor to modern science., had abstained from every pretense of masked speech The author is praising the recipient for not using the confusing, metaphorical "deck-names" or jargon common in alchemy., but instead—first and alone—had used a plain and candid series of words in common examples of ordinary Chemistry, I congratulated myself. I thought: what might this illustrious man not achieve if the apparatus of a more secret Chemistry were at his hands?

I therefore decided, for your sake alone, to set out for England, so that I might communicate with you regarding Paracelsian Paracelsian: Relating to the theories of Paracelsus (1493–1541), who championed the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine rather than just herbs. matters—both solvents original: "menstruis." In alchemy, a "menstruum" is a solvent used to dissolve solids or extract the "essence" of a substance. and medicines, and other secrets. From this meeting, I promised myself the greatest assistance in those remaining things not yet known to me.

Nor indeed did my hope deceive me; for beyond the easy access common to all foreigners, you provided me with an even easier entry. You received me kindly, praised my studies, and thereby raised my spirit original: "ani-," the start of "animum" (mind or spirit), likely completed on the next page. toward greater things—