Basil Valentine Revived or the Shining Star of Alchemy

A rectangular woodcut headpiece consisting of symmetrical, ornate foliage and floral scrolls centered on a stylized lily-like flower.

INTROITUS.

HERMES, the true father of the most noble Alchemy, writes in his fourth book on Godliness and Wisdom: O son, I describe this for the first time, out of love for mankind and for the true service of God, for indeed it is a true service to God when one pays attention to the essence of nature and is grateful to the One who created it; I will not refrain from doing this.

When one reads this saying closely and thoughtfully with the innermost sensory eyes, one finds things that can completely delight the mind, as he speaks in this book of nature and the noble art of Alchemy. To most people, however, who know nothing of the most noble Alchemy but how to emit shameful calumnies slanders/false accusations, such things will be a thorn in the mind and eyes. But why...