PREFACE

...we have maintained, even if they sometimes displayed a certain barbarity original: "barbariem." This refers to non-classical or medieval Latin that does not follow the elegant rules of Cicero, often found in technical alchemical texts. in their phrasing, or if the letters themselves introduced errors. We did this so that we might satisfy the reader and the most earnest investigator of this art, who by no means looks for elegance of speech, but rather busies himself with digging out and coming to know the truth placed in hidden locations. Every good man is also bound, in a serious matter and in any teaching of the ancients, to set down and express the author's own naked words, observing them even to the point of scrupulousness original: "superstitionem." Here used in the classical sense of "excessive precision" or "meticulous dread of error" rather than religious belief.. Thus, in transcribing, reciting, or producing these opinions from any archive, he should consider it a sin original: "piaculum." An act requiring expiation; a grave error or crime against the integrity of the text. to have omitted or changed even a single letter.

Furthermore, since I have in my hands several other chemical writings which have not yet been made public through the benefit of the press, I shall strive with all my might so that a Fifth (or perhaps more) Chemical Volume original: "Tomus Chemicus." The "Theatrum Chemicum" eventually expanded to six volumes, becoming the most comprehensive collection of alchemical texts ever printed. may be published. To carry out this task, I wish to earnestly request all those who have the studies of Chemical Philosophy original: "Philosophiae Chemicae." A term for alchemy that emphasizes its theoretical and natural-philosophical foundations. at heart, of whatever status or condition they may be, that if they possess writings of this kind, they kindly share them. If they can assist me in this laudable purpose of mine, let them do so, and contribute to the common good. I admit, indeed, that in such a collection, bad things are mixed with good, and many trivial and worthless things are mixed with the most serious matters—or rather, truths (as happens in all disciplines in our time) are oppressed and suffocated by falsehoods, which a prudent and wise...