Preface.

Have no doubt: if Theophrastus Theophrastus von Hohenheim, commonly known as Paracelsus (1493–1541), the Swiss physician and alchemist. had lived until this time, he would have dedicated and inscribed these and similar books of his to Your Princely Grace original: "E. F. G." — an abbreviation for "Eure Fürstliche Gnaden," a standard formal address for a high-ranking noble. yourself, as a highly praiseworthy Prince who is not only a Maecenas original: "Mecænas" — a reference to Gaius Maecenas, a famous Roman patron of the arts; the term is used here to describe the Prince's financial support for scholars. in our times for all the learned and those who investigate nature, and who maintains countless such people here and there at great expense: but who is also learned himself and experienced in nature: and who, alongside other powerful rulers powerful rulers original: "Potentaten", shines before the world with understanding, wisdom, justice, counsel, and might.

May Almighty God grant Your Princely Grace a long and healthy life, so that you may longer continue to lead His community in a Christian manner as you have done until now: to further which, as much as is possible for me according to my calling, I will apply myself all the days of my life. I most humbly commend myself to the grace of Your Princely Grace. Given in Munich original: "München" on the eighth of February original: "Februarij", in the year after the birth of Christ our Savior, fifteen hundred and seventy.