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the ancient Sages quite neatly and properly compared, and clearly explained: who flourished around the year of Christ 1453 and thereafter into his great old age, and before his passing, prepared the blessed Stone of Wisdom original: Stein der, W. [Weisen]; the Philosopher’s Stone four more times according to his own confession. The third little treatise—wherein also the Material of the Philosopher’s Stone original Latin: Materia Lapidis Ph. together with the root of the first Tincture In alchemy, a "tincture" is a potent substance capable of transmuting base metals into gold or healing the body. is most excellently and heartily indicated—is by BROTHER Vincentius Koffskhii of Posen, of the Order of Preachers in Danzig, Prussia, who passed away in the year of CHRIST 1488. He left this work behind, written in golden letters and immured within a wall in the cloister of the Black Monks' monastery The "Black Monks" refers to the Dominican Order, known for their black mantles.. These three excellent and well-grounded little treatises, together with the second part of this Little Golden Olympic Treasury original Latin: Thesaurinellæ Olympicæ aureæ, etc., I have thus wished to compose into a small manual and, in such a form, bring into the public light original Latin: in publicam lucem edirn and communicate to the sons of doctrine original Latin: Filiis doctrinæ; refers to initiated students of alchemy. under Your Imperial Majesty’s most laudable and mighty Patronage original Latin: Patrocinio, against all enemies, persecutors, mockers, and blasphemers of this Art and its lovers.

With most humble prayer and in undoubted, comforting hope, Your Imperial Majesty will not only most graciously accept and receive this my insignificant dedication in all mercy, but also allow me—as a Lover of Chemistry original Latin: Philochemicum and a devotee of both branches of medicine Likely referring to Galenic (herbal) and Spagyric (chemical) medicine.—to be most graciously, mercifully, and kindly recommended to your most gracious promotion at all times hereafter. I hereby commend original Latin: commendiren and entrust Your Imperial Majesty to the Divine protection and shield of mercy of the highest Artist and Spagyric Architect original Latin: Spagyrici Architecti; a metaphor for God as the ultimate chemist/creator of the universe., who is the Creator of Heaven and Earth and all creatures, alongside a happy and long-lasting reign; and next to God Almighty’s comforting grace and help shown richly to me in my pilgrimage, I most humbly and in all subjection commend Your Imperial Majesty, whom I recognize myself bound and willing to serve with most humble and faithful diligence at all times. Gi-