IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

HERE BEGINS THE TESTAMENT OF MASTER RAYMOND LULL, and first concerning the Theory.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'D' featuring an illustration of a bird perched on a branch within a circular wreath of leaves.

GOD, WHO EXIST GLORIOUSLY and almighty: for the sake of loving, cherishing, and remembering You, we begin this present art, so that what was partially hidden from us might be revealed to the children of truth. We intend that they may find the fulfillment of that most excellent and noble part of philosophy which we shall reveal in this, our shortened volume. This work concerns a transformation original: transmutatione; the alchemical process of changing base metals into gold or silver that is not only perfect, but indeed most perfect—one which the sophists Sophists: In this context, Lull refers to "false" alchemists or charlatans who use deceptive logic and lack true spiritual or scientific understanding. can never reach, and who without cause defame this noble science. Therefore, we leave this book as a testament to the children of our teaching. We have divided it into three main books: namely, the Theory, the Practice, and the Codicil original: Codicillum; a legal term for a supplement to a will, used here to describe the final explanatory volume.. These three parts are further divided into four distinctions, which