Spagyric Anatomy of Mercury

Because, however, it is the old custom for those about to publish some of their studies to the public to inscribe them to Princes and Magnates, so that, protected and clothed by their great esteem, dignity, and authority, as if by the sevenfold shield of Ajax, they might compress, or remove and keep far from themselves, the mockery and wicked derisions of livid little men and the most iniquitous accusations of sycophants, or so that from the brilliance of their august Name, they might derive some ray of clarity and Fame into their writings: Therefore, I, for both of these causes,

I wanted this little work, whatever it is, to be sacred, and humbly to inscribe and dedicate it to Your Most Illustrious Highness's Name. For who is there, who, looking a little more deeply into the excellent gifts and Virtues of Your Most Illustrious Highness, would not willingly confess