Letter to the Gold-Seeking Lovers of Chemistry and Alchemy

[noble]st and most pleasing to the Deity, because the use of it (specifically original Latin: "in specie"; specifically or particularly in today’s world) is more of a hindrance than a benefit to man's true happiness.

5. But here is the main question (as we wish to continue on the subject of the Art Art original: "Kunst"; in this context, the "Hermetic Art" or Alchemy): by what means can this desired gold and silver be obtained? Is it not through the Philosopher’s Stone original: "Stein der Weisen"; the legendary substance believed to facilitate the transmutation of base metals into gold and the creation of an elixir of life! Yes, this—this is supposed to be it, oh God! And yet, this stone is the reef upon which so many thousands of people have suffered shipwreck; but no one pays heed to this, and even if a thousand have perished at sea, two thousand more venture out upon it. Very well then;

6. So let every seeker original: "Liebhaber"; literally "lover," used here to describe a dedicated amateur or student of alchemy examine himself quite closely. Is it not true that he wishes to learn how to prepare the Philosopher’s Stone? How? When? And from what source? He will be uncertain as to what kind of matter matter original: "Materie"; the "Materia Prima" or starting physical substance required for the Great Work he should use for it; yet he must have a starting material. Well then, I refer him (before he undertakes even the slightest manual work with his own hands) to the best authors original Latin: "Authores"; the classical and medieval authorities whose texts were considered the essential foundation for any alchemical practitioner as the master teachers of this...