Restored Hermetic Science of the Ancient Philosophers

...of those who labor in sophistical In an alchemical context, "sophistical" refers to deceptive or false practices that mimic true chemistry but use "kitchen" recipes or common chemicals that cannot produce the Philosopher's Stone. matters, and not in the due and required matter original Latin: "debita & requisita materiâ." This refers to the Prima Materia, the essential starting substance of the alchemical work.; therefore, they lead themselves and other people astray with them, and deceive them, whereby the rich become poor and the poor even poorer. Therefore, it is no wonder if, after long-endured toil and labor, they find nothing, because they seek the Art The "Art" (German: "Kunst") is a standard term for Alchemy. in unsuitable things. For just as one who strikes against a stone is harmed, so those who indiscreetly involve themselves in chemical matters suffer the loss of their goods, and afflict both body and soul. original Latin: "Sicut enim inpingens in lapidem læditur, ita, qui inconsultè se se chymicis immiscent, jacturam faciunt bonorum suorum, & Corpus & animam affligunt."

As George Ripley the Englishman original Latin: "Riplæus Anglus." George Ripley (c. 1415–1490) was a famous English alchemist and canon of Bridlington whose works were highly influential in 18th-century Germany. thus writes of himself:

In a weak beginning was my start,
Therefore in the end, fraud was the conclusion.
original Latin: "In debili principio, erat meum initium, Proptereà in fine, fraus erat Conclusio." This refers to starting with the wrong materials, which dooms the experiment to failure from the outset.

In addition, the Art is for the most part sought for this purpose original Latin: "in eum finem" that everyone thinks to attain thereby power, wealth, honor, and great reputation, and to oppress others; and not for the end that one [might help] the poor and needy...