Preface.

We have been left scriptures by the philosophers, written and set down, which treat and deal with the blessed Stone of the Wise, and with the Golden Branch of the Philosophers original: "Ramo Philosophorum", regarding how it must be broken off and obtained from the secret Garden original: "Horto" and from the Tree of the Hesperides original: "Arbore Hesperidum". This little book I have divided into two distinct parts: the first of which I have ordained to be published under your glorious name in open print, and I dedicate it to you collectively, as my highly favorable, benevolent, dear Lords and Friends, by title of dedication and right original: "dedicatorio titulo & jure", well-meaningly for a blessed New Year. I hereby wish to publish and declare it publicly, as it were, as a public symbol of a grateful mind original: "quasi publicum gratæ mentis Symbolum", because of the many and varied favors, goods, honor, love, and friendship you have shown me. I do this in the undoubted hope that Your High and Reverend, Honorable, Dear and Favorable Lordships will receive this my well-meaning dedication from me, as a poor student original: "alumno" and tireless disciple original: "Discipulo indefesso" of Natural and Immortal Philosophy original: "Philosophiæ Naturalis & immortalis", in the best possible light. I hope you will let me continue to be recommended—as you have so abundantly done until now—to all Christian love and faithful support in my hermit-like pilgrimage, and to be kindly and charitably regarded by you all, together with my own, in all honor and in the manifold friendship already begun and demonstrated. Herewith, I commend us all to the Divine protection of grace. Done at Hagenau, 28 December, in the year 1607, according to the Old Julian Style, etc.