Preface.

people are content with small springs, from which it is much more delicate and pleasant to drink than from the large waters previously mentioned, into which all manner of filth is thrown; they find themselves contented in the very best way.

Others will reproach me, claiming that this work brings no profit In this context, "profit" refers to the literal extraction of wealth or gold, which the author contrasts with the intellectual value of "science."; but know, you miserly wretch original: "Geitzwanst," a colorful insult for someone consumed by greed., that you are a fool, and you should rightly be rewarded just like Midas In Greek mythology, King Midas was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold, which led to his misery; he was also given donkey ears for his poor judgment in a musical contest., because you prefer harmful wealth—like Pan’s pipes—to the beautiful science original: "Wissenschafft," referring here to the systematic study of nature and alchemy. of investigating nature, or the harp of Orpheus The author contrasts the crude music of Pan with the divine, transformative music of Orpheus to represent the difference between base greed and refined natural philosophy..

Whatever it may be! original: "Quicquid sit!" I care nothing for it, whether one scolds or praises this work; it is all the same to me, for each person will reveal their own true intentions by how they judge it.

But to you, reader eager for art and science, I will—once you have read this and gained experience as I have—provide a continuation to follow, and publish still others.