THE PRINTER TO THE READER

Greetings.

A decorative historiated initial 'E' depicts two figures, possibly scholars, seated in a landscape with hills and a tree in the background, set within a square frame.

In previous years, I published several short works by Geber and Ramon Lull regarding alchemy. Both of these authors contain a meaning in their hidden depths that is far different from what they show on the surface. For this reason, it can easily happen that not only the uneducated, but even those who are somewhat more learned, are blinded when trying to understand them. They may wander away from the true goal.

Because I do not want this to happen (for I wish to be helpful, not harmful), I decided that these dialogues should be shared with students of this art. Guided by these dialogues as if by a thread, they may boldly enter this Labyrinth and return safely.
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The author of these dialogues, whoever he was, examined those books with great diligence and industry. Furthermore, he handled the substances themselves through practical experience. Even if he did not uncover every one of their mysteries (for it would be arrogant to claim that), he has contributed much to help learned men understand and observe their figurative language. By following his example, they may discover certain things for themselves.

For the unlearned, however, this work will be useful for a different reason. By showing that this art signifies something far different from the literal sound of the words, it may deter them. It may stop them from plunging into an art for which they are not suited, which would only lead to their own ruin.

Gebrus Geber, the Latinized name of Jabir ibn Hayyan, an 8th century scholar whose works formed the foundation of medieval alchemy., Raimundus Lullius Ramon Lull, a 13th century philosopher to whom many later alchemical texts were attributed., Alchemia Alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry focused on the transformation of matter., Labyrinthum Labyrinth, a common metaphor used by printers and authors to describe the confusing and intentionally obscured nature of alchemical writings., Author The author, referring here to Giovanni Braccesco., Experiundo By experiencing or experimenting, emphasizing that the author did not just read books but performed actual laboratory work.