The Third Part of the Prosperity of Germany

must be applied to the work, for the Gods sell nothing to those who do not labor, but all good things are sought and found through assiduous study and toil.

However, although all those things that are discussed in this little book are true and confirmed by experience, so that anyone can easily understand and imitate them, I am certain that many, out of ignorance, will not be able to grasp them here and there and apply them to use. This is because the greatest part of mortals is too addicted to leisure and usually refuses to move their own limbs, preferring instead to take walks and chat about the arts over drinks. To such a class of men, I say, these things of mine are of little benefit. For they must first learn how instruments are to be grasped, and how the Operations must be instituted in the proper and suitable manner.

There are many who, if they ever read Chemical original: "Chymica" writings or hear their utility praised by others, are immediately inflamed with such love that they wish to devote themselves entirely to Chymia alchemy in the hope of becoming rich while being idle. When they have proposed something to themselves and have set to work, and if by chance a spark in the hand