Prolegomena.

In whichever field they excelled, there was no liberal science or any feat concerning learning in which they have not shown clear evidence of great talent and intelligence. And so much for the general state of learning.

Now for a specific account of the Hermetic science The study of alchemy and occult philosophy, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, please deign (intelligent reader) to accept the following collections. However, do not think that they contain all the works of our English Hermetic philosophers (for more are planned in a second part to follow and complete this into a full theatre original: "Theatrum"; which, if GOD allows me further time and peace to complete as I have this one, I intend shortly to make ready for the press). In this way, I will further reveal what men we have had, who were no less famous for this kind of philosophy than for all other praiseworthy arts and sciences.

To add anything to the praise of this science would be like holding a candle before the sun. If I were to provide a full account here of its marvelous operations and effects, it would be as far beyond the limits of a preface as it is distant from the belief of the general public. Nor do I expect that all my readers should come committed to believing what I write here, or that there was ever any such thing in nature original: "rerum natura" as what we call a philosopher's stone. Nor will I try to persuade them of it (though I must tell them I am not so vain as to publish these sacred and serious mysteries and secrets original: "Arcana" as if they were fictional stories original: "Romances"). It is enough that I know disbelief is given to the world as a punishment. Yet I will tell them what one of our ancient poetic philosophers says:

If you will listen to my song original: "Lay",
You may find something within it
That may satisfy your mind.
I will not swear to make you believe,
For a philosopher will find evidence
Of the truth here; and as for laymen Those not initiated into the secrets of alchemy,
I do not care much what they say.

I must profess that I know enough to hold my tongue, but not enough to speak; and the results, no less real than miraculous, which I have found in my diligent inquiry into these secrets original: "Arcana", lead me to such a state of wonder that they command silence and force me to lose