PREFACE.

are circular figures, definitions, mixtures, and differential applications, for the second practical book and for the first theoretical book. This book is divided into four distinctions, and first there are circular figures, definitions, mixtures, and different applications for the second practical book, and for the first theoretical book. In the name and reverence, power, and celestial wisdom, we intend to clarify for you, son of doctrine, the gift given to us through a necessary process. Without this process, one cannot have full knowledge of that thing which is one, and which is composed of those entities that are the matter of nature. These entities were found and are being found through dissolutions original: dissolutiones; the alchemical process of breaking a substance down into its primary liquid or spiritual form, and they do not allow themselves to be seen in ordinary ways. And because of this, since the teaching of dissolution original: dissolutiua doctrina breathes, sighs, and desires the end with great care, and seeks to reach the goal of completion, may You, eternal and supreme power, be willing to illuminate Christians and those who believe in You. May they see and know the truth crafted by the ancients, without which this science—which is the better part of the nobler side of philosophy—