Introduction to the Divine Art of Chemistry

PREFATIO.

These things have been diligently treated by others, and especially by Bonus Lombardo of Ferrara, who composed this Introduction to the art two hundred and forty-two years ago in Istria, and called his labor the Margarita Pretiosa Precious Pearl. This author was mangled by Janus Lacinius, a Calabrian monk, who, not understanding the subject, reduced it to a compendium, omitting half of the work. This is the reason why I have given it to the printer to be published in its entirety for the benefit of the students of this art, so that readers might desire nothing within it. For I have obtained an ancient exemplar, inscribed on parchment, worthy of being the only one remaining; but students are more worthy that each might have their own, whereas those things are contained in this one ancient monument, which could happen in no other way than by this publication. When I had deliberated with myself many times under whose name it could safely go forth into the public against the slanders of the envious, you came to my mind first. For first, you have been the patron of all the best arts up to this time; among which, since chemistry holds no last place—as nothing is more useful to the human race—I persuade myself that you will not despise it. Then, no small utility will return to you from the reading of this book. For while this Bonus distinguishes the true art from the false, he also explains contrary arguments; and he shows why it was invented, to whom it was given, and to whom it was least given, so that those observing these things may easily see how one must beware of sophists, whom he severely criticizes at the end. By the vice of these men, the most praised of all arts has fallen into contempt.