FRIENDLY READER,

Here is a new Edition of my introduction to true Physics original: "Physique." In the 17th century, "Physics" referred to natural philosophy, encompassing the study of nature, chemistry, and the "secrets" of the physical world. that I sent from the Indies Hellwig served as a physician for the Dutch East India Company in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). a few years ago, in which you will find certain parts more developed and better clarified; whether it be to your taste or not matters little to me; I have spoken the truth, and I have published it for the glory of God and the benefit of my Neighbor: I have put forward nothing that is not based on repeated experiments, the most exact and the most certain; this is why I bother myself little with the judgments of the Public; however, if you do read it, I exhort you to read it without prejudice, so as not to lose the fruit that you might gather from it, and at the same time deprive me of the pleasure I intended for myself in enlightening you. When, with the help of God, I have brought an end to my travels and begin to enjoy some leisure, I shall fulfill the promise I made to you to communicate with frankness the true Physics which has been unknown until now. While waiting for me to be able to execute this, try to profit from this short Introduction, and never stray from the paths of Jesus Christ, who is the universal source of true Wisdom, if you wish to acquire the qualities and deserve the title of Philosopher In an alchemical context, a "Philosopher" is specifically a "Philosopher by Fire"—someone who understands the deep transformative laws of nature..