This Chemical Manuscript

with the Title,

Mirror of Lights.

Among other writings of a certain Irish Judge, seized? by the fortune of the Civil War and sold off by himself. The English Civil War (1642–1651) led to the displacement of many officials; Westminster Hall was a center of both law and commerce where books and manuscripts were often sold.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, from the Father of Lights" James 1:17. And that "all things were made through Him, and without Him was nothing made" John 1:3. Him, therefore, I humbly invoke and entreat that He might mercifully deign to give me the light of His divine wisdom, so that through my knowledge I might be able to show with clarity the lights that lie hidden in the darkness.

For I, the least of all Alchemists original: "Alkymistarū", have compiled—not from my own wisdom but from the grace of the most high God—one ineffable art of alchemy. I have collected this little work from the best of all tested and perfected works of the leading philosophers, not for my own praise or glory, but for the benefit of the poor seekers and the perfected.

Hence, I have titled this book by the name Mirror of Lights original: "Speculum luminum" because of the truth within the alchemical operations The word "opibus" refers to the practical works or "labor" of the laboratory.; it leads in this book from the darkness of errors to the light of splendid truth, for if one walks in the right lights, it directs them so they do not deviate from the instructions into error. Therefore, for whoever wishes to proceed through the doctrine of this book and to work, it will lead them through straight paths and be present in their labor. For in this book, a light so delightful and lovely is given that [otherwise] it lies hidden in darkness.