Michaelis Maieri viatorium, hoc est, de montibus planetarum septem, seu metallorum

AUTHOR'S EPIGRAM.

Theseus, having followed Pirithous under the dread Tartarus,
Carried back his step to the heavens more cautious:
But the unhappy companion, having lingered at the Stone, remained behind,
Nor did he feel the power of the Herculean hand, as he did.
I myself, also a son of Aegeus Theseus wandering the turnings of the Labyrinth,
Solicit your thread, Ariadne, as a guide:
By whose help he escaped the cage, free of danger,
And retraced the deceptive path back to his homeland.
If you, who have perhaps entered into chemical labors,
Imitate this guide, but not Pirithous.
I scarcely promise you the help of Hercules, but from me,
If you are a Theseus, this Ariadne is given.
Seek therefore what you may follow of your own accord in ambiguous steps,
And by the discovered path you will be free.
Let reason first mark the way, which Experience will soon
Teach, and the continuous labor of the hands.
Take care to inspect the cradles of sacred Nature,
And the written page will not deceive with doubtful tricks,

A decorative floral ornament appears here.