EPISTOLA

[DEDICATORY LETTER]

(as they commonly say) so that I might pluck and shake out from their hands a myriad of errors; I have deemed it worthwhile to bring to light this Harmony Harmoniam: In this context, a "harmony" refers to a scholarly compilation that brings together different, seemingly contradictory authorities to reveal their underlying agreement., or the common accord and consensus of all who truly philosophize original: "vere philosophantium." The author uses this term to distinguish genuine alchemical seekers and natural philosophers from "puffers" or frauds.. I have wished it to go forth under the auspices of your most distinguished name, most illustrious Sir, for this reason:

First, because your house is not only an oracle for our entire city—where you send away those who were uncertain of their affairs now certain and in possession of wise counsel—but it truly exists as an inn for all kinds of wisdom original: "παντοδαπῆς σοφίας πανδοχεῖον" (pantodapēs sophias pandocheion) and a sanctuary of every virtue original: "πάσης ἀρετῆς σεμνεῖον" (pasēs aretēs semneion), so much so that you alone have been held worthy that our Achilles This likely refers to a specific noble pupil or perhaps a young prince entrusted to the recipient's education. should be entrusted to your care, vigilance, industry, and singular integrity, as if to a second Chiron original: "Chironis." In Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron was the most wise and just of his race, serving as the tutor to the hero Achilles. The author uses this classical allusion to praise the recipient's reputation as a mentor..