The Little Golden Olympic Treasury in Three Parts

E P I S T O L A

Since, however, ELIAS ARTISTAA legendary figure in alchemical lore, first mentioned by Paracelsus, who was prophesied to appear near the end of the world to reveal all hidden arts and secrets of nature.—of whom TheophrastusTheophrastus von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus (1493–1541). prophesied, and of whom Friar BasiliusBasilius Valentinus, a semi-mythical alchemist and monk. and Alexander von SüchtenA 16th-century physician and alchemist famous for his work on the medicinal uses of antimony. also make mention—doubtless can no longer remain absent, but rather is surely already on his way as a true and certain forerunner and precursor of Jesus Christ coming for the universal judgmentoriginal Latin: "Præcursor Christi Jesu ad judicium universale venturi". He shall represent our German Monarch AUREOLUS Ph. Theophrastus PARACELSUS in the Theology of GRACE, Astronomy of GRACE, PHILOSOPHY of GRACE, as well as in Medicine of GRACE, and in other faculties and arts. He will also elucidate and explain his writings, and indeed will be a true master of mysteriesoriginal: "Mysteriarcha" and interpreter of the divine, celestial great wondersoriginal Latin: "Magnalium," referring to the hidden powers God placed within nature. and secrets of God which He has placed into His creationsoriginal: "Creata". Because of this, the godless, wicked, blind world—drowned and submerged in all kinds of sin, shame, vice, and depravity—will be terrified and forced to fall silent. However, the small flock of followers and lovers of the noble art of ALCHEMY, as the heavenly truth, will rejoice from the heart and thank God for such a merciful revelation.

Therefore, I too—who have come to this study as an unworthy noviceoriginal Latin: "Tyro", and yet from my youth have [had] a desire, love, and no small inclination and affection for it—