Medical-Chemical Work

...in the investigation or research of doubts; wherefore we have omitted them, where it was advised, with as much wisdom as we could, but to those who do not understand the manner of the Chemical discipline, all things are said to be hidden, even if they are explained with manifest marks and signs; but it is enough for the children of understanding. Nor do I fear that there will be some who will require my Experiments from me, and not those of other artists, since their books are full and very numerous: I truly confess that I do not teach my art, but I set forth the chemical art, approved and cultivated by the use of the ancient wise artists, and by God's help, as much as he wills, I explain it: that my exposition is a methodical tradition and a manner of teaching, is enough and sufficient. Know, however, Benevolentest Reader, that I have also placed some study in chemical things, and if work and necessity require it, I will show you that I can also distill the Element of minerals, and not to speak of changing water into fire: I have also added many things confirmed by my slight experience, which although they do not have an appropriate name, yet let them be gifts given to you by a public gift.

Nor do I shun ingenuous judgments about my labors, if there are some born with a liberal mind and are good, who will see that I am lacking in some things, let them publish better things; nor will I be stubborn in defending errors; I shall learn from any legitimate monitor. My notes placed next to the examples of authors will also seem incongruous to some; let them seem foolish, indeed: Is it a wonder to stumble in such darkness? To those whose opinion will be better, mine will yield.

The method of the Method, the Division of the Title, and the Definitions, will provide wonderful delights for thorny minds; It is easy to criticize, to give better things is difficult: That is permitted even to fools, this to the wise. He will be wise to me, who will exhibit better things: Perhaps the Fraternity of the Rose Cross: if it pleases the Gods, within a hundred years; I order the Ramistic Referring to the logic of Petrus Ramus subtleties and nonsense and trifles which many foolishly trifle with today, to depart to the Cynosarges A gymnasium in Athens, often associated with cynicism or dog-like behavior: but not all obstacles can be anticipated: if anything is doubted or handed down by forgetfulness, it will be declared abundantly enough in the 3rd Tractate of the Philosophical Basilica, with the help of God the Best and Greatest. With these things, Reader,