THE AUTHOR’S

PERSONIFICATION.

While the great Maximilian II original: "Maximus Aemilius," referring to Emperor Maximilian II, who reigned 1564–1576.—heir to an ancestral name, the beloved of the world, Father of the Fatherland, both August and Pious—guided the reins of the Roman Empire original: "Romulei Imperii," a poetic reference to the Holy Roman Empire as the successor to ancient Rome.:
I completed this work in my mature years. Not out of envy, but for the common good, I have published it through bronze type The printing press., with vigilant study and faithful care.
This book is not for those to whom the God of Fire original: "Lemnius," referring to Vulcan, the smith-god of Lemnos. Ercker implies that master craftsmen who already possess "divine" skill do not need his basic instructions. has already handed down his secret fire-arts, not by some unlucky omen:
You who blow the gasping fires with windy bellows, so that the copper flows in streams and melts in the vast furnace.
From the bowels of the earth, all manner of metal is dug; but there are many who are kindled by a beautiful love for this same study, yet lack the learned art and the mastery that comes from experience.
Going before them, I show the way. If anyone follows it, he may proceed to some degree, even if he does not know how to reach the desired goal on his own path.
For who would rashly make secret arts public? Since we see that arts become cheapened once they are common knowledge; and it is believed that secrets lose their power when scattered without distinction among the ignorant masses.
Yet, if the fates allow and the subject itself requires it, I shall honestly provide more and greater things than these in a short time (if life remains).
You, honest reader, enjoy these things meanwhile with success; and if you cannot return the favor in kind, then return thanks to me through your actions and your esteem.