Preface.

that not much is to be learned
nor recognized from it.

Since then some old,
philosophical, written materials
have come into my hands, by a Bene-
dictine monk called Brother Basi-
lius Valentinus, in which, in
my simple understanding,
no insignificant indication
and foundation of medicine,
as well as what all minerals and me-
tals in the nature of things original: "rerum natura." This Latin phrase refers to the physical world and the essential character of natural objects.
carry with and within themselves,
will be found;
and such well-founded writings
far surpass those who adorn
themselves with imagined cleverness,
especially when such writ-
ings are read diligently with
understanding and reflection,
and are tirelessly observed,
then the praise shall find
itself and come to light.
For which reason I [deem it] unnecessary