GEBER THE ARAB,

THE MOST SKILLED PHILOSOPHER, AND IN NATURAL THINGS

(especially metals) most expert, a small book on chemistry original Greek: "peri chymeias", which he titled, On the Investigation of Perfection, by an unknown translator.

Preface, in which he explains why he wrote this book. Chapter 1.

A decorative woodcut initial letter 'I' is set within a square frame, featuring intricate scrolling floral patterns.
I shall hand over to you the investigation of this most noble science, drawn from continuous and frequent diligence in the work, and from intense study. It comes from our deepest thoughts and various connected subjects. I give this to you so that you may understand the following volumes better and more clearly. Once understood, and through your own skill and examination, these things may be more easily and quickly brought to their intended effect.

It is one thing to investigate the principles of the art. It is another to test the subtleties and inventions of these matters through work, research, and experience, until the full purpose is achieved. Therefore, in this book of ours, we have written according to our own reasoning whatever we have discovered through our accounts. I speak of those things that perfect the art. However, let no one think that we composed this investigation The text ends mid-word on "composue-", which is completed by the catchword "rimus" on the following page to form "composuerimus" (we composed).