Introduction to True Physics

...than by Cimmerian darkness original: "cimmeriæ tenebræ"; a classical reference to a mythical land of perpetual mist and gloom, used here to signify profound ignorance or confusion. and the corruptions of Philosophy are generated.

These reports applied a spur to me as I timidly entered the prisons of Physics The author uses "carceres" (prisons) to describe the rigid and perhaps stifling nature of contemporary scientific education., so that I might move my feet more swiftly, if I desired to be awarded the hidden prize original: "brabeo"; a Greek-derived term for a victor’s prize or reward. of nature more quickly and surely than others.

I began with Chemistry; I was greatly aided by medical practice, and I firmly believed I was treading the blessed path.

But vanity of vanities! I sought light from darkness, and wisdom from the world; I marveled with my head held high, yet while I thought myself beyond the reach of any doubt, I suddenly and unexpectedly fell away from all hope.

For although my Agent & Patient, my Fire & Water, Sulphur & Mercury, along with their mediators Air & Salt These terms—Agent/Patient, Fire/Water, Sulphur/Mercury/Salt—are the fundamental building blocks of Aristotelian physics and Paracelsian alchemy. The author is listing the technical vocabulary he once used to explain the world., soothed the ears of my listeners; they nevertheless completely ensnared and strangled me to the point of ruin.

It was useless [to bring] creatures here through rhetoric The text cuts off here. The catchword "velle" suggests the next page begins with a word meaning "to want" or "to wish".