Preface.

[God's] glory, and then desires to use it for the benefit of his poor,
oppressed, and sick fellow-human beings, will find the
key to the lock of secrecy original: "Schloß der Heimlichkeit." In alchemical literature, the "lock" and "key" are common metaphors for the hidden mechanisms of nature and the specific chemical agents (solvents) required to open them. quite
easily and with little effort; for though
the key may not always be stuck in the
keyhole, it will still be found lying
nearby on the bench, or hanging
on the wall.
The kind reader, however, must pay close and
careful attention to my words; for the sake of
brevity, I have applied myself to a
particular style of writing, so that
he who has directed his heart toward GOD
and understands no Latin—as I do not—
(for I write only for the simple-minded original: "Einfältigen," referring to humble, pious people rather than the "sophists" or academic elites the author often critiques.)
can attain the Work just as well
as a highly learned scholar.

I intend to prove this so clearly, not only
from Nature but also from the philosophers original: "Philosophis," referring to the established authorities in alchemical history like Hermes, Geber, or Lull.,
so that everyone (to whom GOD grants it)
can find the foundation and right understanding
with little effort. For although
most of the ancients, who knew this
secret through experience original: "Experienz," referring to practical laboratory work rather than theoretical study., were
not found to be entirely clear and straightforward in
their description of it, they nonetheless speak
in