Restored Hermetic Science of the Ancient Philosophers

and so that sick people, abandoned by pseudo-physicians original: "Speudo-Medicis." This refers to those who practice medicine without true knowledge or through deceptive, profit-driven means., might be helped and comforted, just as the dear ancient Philosophers In this context, "Philosophers" refers specifically to the Hermetic masters or alchemists of antiquity. did. Of this, Lacinius Janus Lacinius was a 16th-century editor who compiled essential alchemical texts, most notably "The New Pearl of Great Price." writes: The ancient Philosophers did not pursue this art to possess Gold original: ☉, the astrological and alchemical symbol for the Sun/Gold. and Silver original: ☽, the symbol for the Moon/Silver. nor for a useful or delightful good, but for the sake of honor, because they loved the thing for its own sake. original Latin: "Non autem fuerunt antiqui Philosophi hanc artem prosecuti, propter ☉ & ☽ habendum nec propter bonum utile, & delectabile, sed propter honestum, quia dilexerunt rem, propter se ipsam."

So too does this noble art—like a pure, tender virgin—wish to be approached not with unwashed and impure hands original Latin: "illotis, & impuris manibus." A common alchemical metaphor suggesting that the practitioner must be spiritually and morally "clean" to succeed in the Great Work., but with a pure heart and hands; nor is it written for the perjurers, the greedy, and the wicked original Latin: "perjuris, avaris, & sceleratis.", but for the sons of philosophy original Latin: "filiis Philosophiæ." A traditional term for true students or initiates of the alchemical tradition. and for those who are God-fearing and pious.

Hence from this blessed art are forbidden: soldiers at arms, those who serve feminine pleasures, the cruel of crime, those greedy and desirous of revenge, the covetous, murderers, and the profane. But truly—

original Latin: "Huc veniat, Patriæ Codrus, Pietatis Amator." Codrus was the legendary last king of Athens who sacrificed his life to save his people; he is used here as a symbol of selflessness and virtue.