Preface.

by reason original: "ratione" of the discovery and working of contemptible iron, they had attributed this art to him. I do not wish to indulge in any further long-windedness here; I only ask once more that every enthusiast consider with pure reason the contents of these few pages, and let this warning serve for his benefit: set aside your coals and instruments The author is telling alchemists to stop their expensive, practical experiments and think theoretically first, grasp my system, and within this narrow space, this irrefutable argument. Like me, believe nothing so long as you are not convinced otherwise by reason and nature; yet esteem original: "ästimire" this science insofar as it extends original: "extendirt" to the benefit of the fatherland, and only for as long as your eye and reason do not convince you of something else. For the eye without reason is very deceptive; but if you are convinced of something else, I allow you to throw these pages into the fire and to consider me an idiot original: "Idioten"; here meaning an unlearned or ignorant person. I do not doubt that a great many will be found who will cover this little book with learned physical controversies scientific disputes,