CHRYSOGO-

NUS POLYDORUS ON SEV-

ERAL BOOKS ON ALCHEMY

The name Chrysogonus Polydorus was a pseudonym used by Andreas Osiander, a prominent Lutheran theologian and editor in Nuremberg.

A decorative woodcut initial 'C' containing a scene with two figures: an older, bearded man seated at a desk or table, and a younger figure standing before him, possibly in a scholarly or instructional setting.

On alchemy original Greek: "περὶ χημείας" When I wished to grant several selected books of the ancients on alchemy from our library to the printers to be published, so that a greater benefit might flow from them to the students of Philosophy, I thought I should provide a brief preface. I do not doubt that many men, who are indeed good but unskilled in the nature of things, think this whole kind of art should be entirely rejected and covered in silence. They may think this either because they believe it is completely false, or because they judge it too difficult to be investigated with such great labor and such an uncertain outcome.

I, however, although I was once of the same opinion, was nevertheless drawn by a desire for learning. I diligently inspected this class of authors when the opportunity arose. I gained so much knowledge of things from them that I not only congratulate myself, but I also do not hesitate to recommend that others get to know these same authors themselves.

All Philosophy either directs speech, forms morals, or inquires into the secrets of nature. The care of speech exists for the sake of other things This refers to logic and rhetoric as tools for other sciences. Furthermore, the rules of morals are now sought from sources other than Philosophy A likely reference to the Protestant view that ethics should be derived from Holy Scripture. Therefore, who does not see that the part of Philosophy which explains the natures and causes of things is the most excellent?

Metals are no small portion of the nature of things. No part of human life can do without them without detriment. They are the tools of all craftsmen, the price of all things, and the ornaments of all high ranks. I will not even mention that they abundantly furnish medicine and supply various colors for painting. Otherwise, they would be a source of great admiration by the mere contemplation of them. Therefore, decide for yourself whether the knowledge of their nature is more useful or more pleasant—