TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS COUNT AND

LORD, LORD FERDINAND, COUNT IN

Ortenburg, Baron in Freyenstein and Karlspach, Lord in Reicurt and Lill, Councilor to the Roman Imperial Majesty, etc., to his most gracious and most respected Lord, Guglielmo Gratarolo, Physician and Philosopher, sends many greetings. original: "S. D. P." for Salutem Dicit Plurimam, a formal greeting wishing much health.

An ornamental woodcut initial 'C' contains a figure surrounded by scrolling foliage and vines.

For many years now, most noble Count, I have traveled through Italy and Germany, sparing no labor or expense to gain a complete understanding of natural philosophy original: "Physices," referring to the study of the physical world and especially medical science. Among other things, I have sought out and compared many uncommon writings by ancient and modern authors. I rescued these works from the moths and from the errors of scribes so they might eventually benefit many people without any confusion. To achieve this goal, I began some time ago to publish several works through the help of printers.

Now I have ready a substantial volume, perhaps second to none in this field. It is a collection I have carefully organized from various writings by learned and experienced men concerning the more secret part of natural philosophy The "secret part of physics" refers to alchemy and the hidden properties of matter.. When I showed or described this to certain learned men and friends, their encouragement and my own conscience compelled me to publish what I can before I am called by the Lord God to the next life. I worry that if I were to leave this mortal life first, these labors might remain forever hidden in the hands of some greedy or envious person, or simply be lost.

Furthermore, when I considered, following the old and accepted custom, to which patron or hero I should dedicate these once secret writings, no one among those I have known so far pleased me more than your Illustrious Lordship. Two years ago, while I was in Augsburg, I learned of your varied learning, not only through the reliable reports of others but also from my own experience in your presence. I recognized your complete knowledge of the principal languages and your practical experience and uncommon judgment regarding natural and useful things.

By your kindness and gentleness, I was able to sit at your table. I marveled at your very serene expression, a head worthy of a royal crown, your quick wit, and your moderation. I saw how skillfully you responded in conversations with the most distinguished guests. It is with good reason that his most wise Imperial Majesty chose such a man and hero to be among his councilors. I will not speak at length about the ancestral wealth with which the highest God has most brilliantly adorned your Illustrious Lordship. You use these gifts to support your noble family and honorable court, for the honor of God our Father and our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and for the benefit of your neighbors, especially the pious and the scholarly, acting as a steward of the best God. I could