EPISTLE

...perfection of the whole art consists. For here Lull Raymond Lull (c. 1232–1315) will demonstrate those very minerals from which the true Mercury and sulfur Mercury and sulfur: In alchemical theory, these are not just the physical elements, but the two primary "principles" or spirits believed to compose all metals. are extracted. But do not think that you will understand him immediately; rather, be surely persuaded that little by little, and with much study and diligence, you will finally best come to know his mind and hidden knowledge. For the writings of the Philosophers are not understood from the "bark" of the words original: verborum cortice; a metaphor meaning the literal or surface-level meaning, but from the powers of nature. For very often they have hidden beautiful and difficult things in wordy wrappings and coverings, so that those most excellent arts might not leak out to those unworthy of such great mysteries.

For the secret, just as the author himself testifies in chapter 29, is not given except to the "sons of Philosophy" original: filijs Philosophiæ; a traditional term for sincere students or initiates of alchemy, that is, to the seekers and investigators of truth. Nor, indeed, can it happen that those who are not occupied with every thought and movement of the mind in inquiring into nature's hidden operations can rightly understand her. For, as the same author says in chapter 31, if a son of the art should be negligent in per-