A horizontal ornamental band consisting of three rows of decorative typographic fleurons. The top and bottom rows feature scroll-like patterns, while the middle row contains floral or star-shaped symbols.

In the Name of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary original Latin: I. N. J. & B. V. M., standing for In Nomine Jesu & Beatae Virginis Mariae, a common pious invocation at the start of early modern texts.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'D' features intricate foliate and scrollwork designs, marking the beginning of the first chapter.

Since the beginning of the world, many high and learned philosophers have exerted themselves to the utmost in the laudable and secret art of Chemistry Chymiæ In 1724, the term "Chymia" referred to both what we now call chemistry and the spiritual/transformative art of alchemy., so that they might bring forth the Philosophers' Stone Lapidem Philosophorum The legendary alchemical substance believed to be capable of turning base metals into gold and granting eternal life.; in consideration that Almighty God, through his powerful Word ("Let it be" original Latin: Fiat), did not only speak a hidden life, power, and virtue into all movable and immovable, sensible and insensible creatures, but also gave to every created being Creato its own seed original: Saamen, to multiply as long as the world stands, as He spoke in Genesis, Chapter 1: "Be fruitful and multiply" original Latin: Crescite & multiplicamini.

From this, the dear ancients understood so much: that God the Lord also