Spagyric Anatomy of Mercury

Because it is customary, according to ancient tradition, for those who are about to release some of their Lucubrations scholarly work produced by candlelight to the public to inscribe them to Princes and Magnates—as if, protected and clothed by their great estimation, dignity, and authority like the sevenfold shield of Ajax a legendary hero known for his impenetrable shield, they might suppress or cast far away the sneers and wicked mockeries of livid little men, and the most unjust accusations of Sycophants, and their stinging sarcasms—or so that they might derive, as it were, a ray of clarity and Fame into their writings from the brilliance of their august Name: therefore, and for both these causes, I have wished to make this work, whatever it may be, sacred to YOU,

I have wished to humbly inscribe and dedicate this booklet to Your Illustrious Highness. For who is there who, looking a little more deeply at the outstanding gifts and Virtues of Your Illustrious Highness, would not willingly confess