On the Secret Works of Art and Nature and the Nullity of Magic

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especially, however, of chemistry and medicine? He told me his opinion freely and claimed with certainty that the Helias of whom Theophrastus prophesied was indeed still alive, and that one should not have to wait much longer for the restoration. However, he did not explain to me whether this restoration was to be hoped for from a single man or from several persons who had united with one another for this purpose. Furthermore, this excellent man added much else which one may not whisper into the ear of anyone, except the person who strives to deny himself completely. But even though my plan was thwarted through the fault of others, and I saw myself compelled to leave medicine and choose another way of life, I have nevertheless, as much as my livelihood and business allowed, devoted myself with all zeal to the knowledge of nature. And whatever aids I discovered in the writings of others or through my own experiments, I have applied to this. For the works of the LORD are great; all who take pleasure in them investigate them, Psalm 111, 1-2. And this miserable darkness GOD has given to the children of Adam, so that they must torment themselves therein. Ecclesiastes 1, 13.