Preface.

... [therefore, one must] heartily call upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit, that He might open heart, mind, and understanding to fathom such a high mystery and wisdom; for it is certainly a gift of God and a present from the Most High.

For this Art is a secret above all secrets, and impossible to find without prior natural knowledge of the Philosophical maxims original: "Philosophischen Sprüche." These refer to the cryptic principles and foundational sayings left by ancient alchemists (the "Philosophers") to guide the worthy., which explain the nature and properties of things—in which one intends to follow—both inwardly and outwardly. Otherwise, it would be impossible to follow them if the inward, hidden secrets of things were not explained; indeed, one would be uncertain of the matter, whether one was doing it rightly, or doing too much or too little, from which no good end could follow.

Therefore, place your trust in the aforementioned foundation and follow my reminder, and abandon all sophistic books original: "Sophistische Bücher." In this context, "sophistry" refers to false or deceptive alchemical texts written by "puffers" (fraudulent chemists) who lacked true spiritual and natural understanding.: for although my person is humble, I have written this little treatise original: "Tractätlein" in the most simple manner (since elegant speeches and high-flown chatter are not from me, but rather the pure and simple...