DEDICATORY

EPISTLE

To the Late

RUDOLF II Rudolf II (1552–1612) was the Holy Roman Emperor known for his deep interest in the occult, alchemy, and the arts. His court in Prague was a center for the greatest "natural philosophers" of the era.

Holy Roman Emperor, etc. etc.

Most Gracious Emperor and Lord: That the highly laudable art of ALCHEMY original: "ALCHYMIA" is not only an ancient, useful, and entirely wholesome art, but also an exceedingly excellent gift and grace-offering of the highest SPAGYRIST original: "SPAGYRI." Here, God is described as the ultimate Spagyrist—one who separates and recombines elements to create life and order., paternally communicated and bestowed upon humanity; [and] that it is even to this day given to some few who obtain such a gift through a godly way of life and dear, powerful prayer: whereby not only the imperfect, leprous metals The term "leprous" was commonly used by alchemists to describe base metals like lead, viewing them as "diseased" versions of gold that needed to be "healed" or purified. may be improved, purified, and brought into their highest exaltation original: "Exaltation." In alchemy, this refers to the process of elevating a substance to a higher state of purity or potency.,

Vocabulary: This section translates the technical terms listed at the bottom of the original page.
Alchemy, Spagyrist, Metals, Exaltation, Rudolf II, Alchemy, Spagyrics