Basil Valentine Revived or the Shining Star of Alchemy

Preface.

cannot be without the other, which is to be well kept in mind.

3. It sometimes seems as if the philosophers were entirely contrary to one another, indeed, that they contradicted themselves here and there, but when one examines it closely and according to physical and alchemical principles (secundum principia Phys. & Alchym.), they are entirely in agreement in the main work (in which the whole nerve of the matter rests); in side-matters, they wander off at times, and this for the sake of the unworthy.

Therefore, gentle and knowledge-thirsty reader, accept this little work with a loyal and sincere mind, and apply it to your benefit and that of your neighbor, and to the honor of the Most High; at the same time, keep me in your most sincere thoughts, and consider the saying (dictum) of the experienced Joh. Becher, which he sets forth concerning alchemy:

The most noble art of alchemy keeps man healthy and protects him from illnesses; it helps the sick