Part One

...lest they might again enrich themselves from these books and through this Art The "Art" refers to alchemy, specifically the "Great Work" of creating the Philosopher's Stone to transmute metals., rely upon it, and further resist the Romans.

From which it is sufficiently clear that such an Art was very much in vogue in ancient times, and is not only true, but also encompasses wealth, understanding, and many good virtues.

* Ezekiel Chap. 28.

Beyond all this, however, to further prove and demonstrate that such an Art is not only true, but also that it is not against God (so long as one does not abuse it), the Prince of Tyre is not punished by the prophet Ezekiel for practicing such an Art, but rather because he considered himself so wise—since he could make as much gold and silver as he wanted himself—that he presumed to be equal to God. Thus, the prophet punished in him the abuse, and not the right use, which one should and must apply to this Art. Likewise, the prophet does not reproach the ancestors of this Prince—who also truly knew this Art—for its right use original: "Usum", but rather for the opposite. Speaking as if in the person of God, he says: original: "Multiplicavi eis argentum, & ipsi fecerunt dolo suo aurum" "I multiplied silver for them, and they made gold by their own craftiness," for they had become too arrogant through this Art, forgotten God, and abused it in many ways.

I could provide a whole catalog original: "Catalogum" here of the ancients who knew this Art; however, so that this little work does not become too large, [I will...]