ON ALCHEMY

I do not see why something similar could not also happen regarding metals.

Chrysogonus: These things you mention are such that it seems impossible that you have not performed experiments on the whole business yourself, or that you could not test it whenever you please, even if you constantly pretend otherwise. I expect nothing else now but that you take up your pen and write the whole matter out for me.

Theophrastus: But why do you demand this of me? If I knew these things exactly, you already know that it is an inviolable law of the mysteries: the things called secrets must not be made manifest. Furthermore, if I had attempted such a thing or wished to test it and confessed it openly, it would follow that either the business did not succeed—in which case I offer myself up to be mocked by everyone, and I must be considered like those wanderers of yours—or if I said it had succeeded and many understood this, you realize that this could not happen without manifest danger to myself. To speak candidly, this is the kind of business whose actions have almost never been without harm to a private man, and have often brought destruction to kings themselves. Therefore, even a wise man should not wish for it, unless he is so perfect that he can despise an abundance of all riches and stand in need of nothing. And now, unless I am mistaken, you understand how it happens that the secrets of this science have reached so very few over so many centuries.

Chrysogonus: Indeed, I believe that these secrets were never committed to any writings or books at all, but as is said of the Kabbalah original: "Hebræorum Cabala." A Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, often associated in the Renaissance with secret, orally transmitted wisdom. of the Hebrews, they were established for posterity only by tradition.

Theophrastus: Even if these things seem likely, it is nevertheless very true that this science was once recorded in books most openly, without any trickery or obscurity. It was passed down from the Asians to the European Greeks.

Chrysogonus: As if such a thing could have remained hidden from the Greeks, who were most vain men, when it could scarcely be concealed even among the Cimmerians original: "Cimmerijs." A mythical people described by Homer as living in perpetual mist and darkness at the edges of the world. in the thickest darkness.

Theophrastus: You are right about the Cimmerians, but it is difficult to guard what everyone seeks. You find this to be true regarding treasures, which are dug up with great danger. Likewise, it is true of women of perfect beauty, who have so many laying snares for them. But have you read in the poets about the expedition of the Argonauts to Colchis?

Chrysogonus: Yes, the account of their preparation and departure is told by Apollonius of Rhodes A Greek poet of the 3rd century BC, author of the Argonautica, which tells the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece..

Theophrastus: Did you notice that the entire history of the discoveries of the chemical art lies hidden in that tale?

Chrysogonus: Not at all.

Theophrastus: I believe Luigi Marliani original: "Aloisium Marlianum." An Italian physician and scholar who served the Habsburg court in the early 16th century. suspected this very thing, for he calls his commentaries on this art "The Golden Fleece." For it must be believed that it was something great for which the leaders of Greece, with Jason as their guide, would first attempt the sea and endure such a journey and so many troubles. Therefore, one must believe the Ram of the Golden Fleece was nothing other than skins and books—which they later called parchment—written in golden letters, in which all the secrets of this art were contained. It was hung in the inner chambers of Aeetes, King of the Colchians, and in the temple itself, not without a perpetual guard of men. When this ineffable treasure was shown to the guests by the daughter Medea, who was struck by a madness of love, it must be believed that she not only possessed infinite riches, but also performed other wonders. This is especially true since, with little effort—something that can be done by no other medicines—she restored her decrepit father-in-law, Aeson In Greek myth, Medea rejuvenated Jason's father, Aeson, by replacing his old blood with a magical concoction., to firmer health and, as it were, to youth. You should not laugh at these things as if they were entirely fables, since old age is nothing other than the diminishing of natural heat. It is diminished, however, when it is hindered from movement. Therefore, whatever can preserve its strength can restrain its diminishing. Consider whether Apollonius himself does not mention metals here and there in his poem.

Chrysogonus: Good gods! Do you now reveal yourself to me so shrewdly? From these words of yours, I am made certain that you dwell in the very inner chambers of perfect science. Have you not performed the same many times? Do you now deny it? Have you not brought help to the most desperate diseases? Although you never entered the schools of the physicians, yet with those ethereal and abstract qualities of yours, you surpass all the physicians of Europe in the faculty of healing, and they have long since handed the palm of victory to you. Therefore, you will not be able to dodge me any longer without causing me grave offense.

Theophrastus: Even if I were to acknowledge these things as true, you know it was said by the wise: "What you wish to be hidden, tell to no one." I confess that from the energy and efficacy of metals, and those things related to metals, I have discovered many things with the help of Physics Here referring to the study of nature and natural philosophy rather than the modern narrow definition. itself, the practice of which contributes greatly to the public utility and the art of healing itself. But that I have attempted anything for my own private gain can be seen by no one anywhere. I understand that such a thing was the destruction of kings and of Jason himself. He was utterly ruined along with his children by his own wife, perhaps because he had handled this mystery too incautiously, and the children were consumed by fire along with the royal court. Consider now, I pray, whether such a thing is to be wished for by a wise man. Also consider how much you are obliged to me today for my warnings, so that you might begin to be wise. This is especially true since it is clearer than light to you how miserably you have been occupied in the sophisms of chemistry itself, and have caught fish with a golden hook A classical idiom for a venture where the cost of the equipment or the effort far outweighs the value of the prize.. Since the same has happened to infinite others (as far as I know), they were cast down in health and in all their goods. Finally, they have strived so that they prefer to seem skilled in this art rather than to be so, and they believe it is better to counterfeit gold than to possess it. These miserable people have this one consolation: they seek to have as many partners in their punishment as they can, circumventing them and leading them into the most manifest dangers.

Chrysogonus: You have used such vehemence of argument that you have entirely turned my mind from those things to which it was addicted. Therefore, I will not say another word about this matter, if I am advised by you on at least one thing. I ask, therefore, that you indicate openly...