THE FIRST BOOK OF THE ARCHIDOX

...therefore original: rumb/darumb; continuing from the catchword on the previous page. we must consider how the art relates to the mysteries original: Mysterijs of nature compared to those who do not achieve this art.

Thus, the mystery of nature original: Mysterium naturæ exists in such powers [freed] from its impediments original: impedimenten; the physical or "crude" matter that prevents a medicine's true power from acting., just like a prisoner who is released from his bonds and whose whole spirit is then free. ●

For the mystery of nature in these works original: Operibus; referring to alchemical operations or practical applications. is like a fire in wet wood that would gladly burn, but cannot because of the moisture.

If such a defect is found in things, one must consider how it may be removed; once that hindrance is gone, this art of separation original: Seperation; the alchemical process of isolating the pure essence from the impure dross. is as superior to the art of the apothecaries original: Aromatariorum; literally "spicers," a dismissive term for traditional pharmacists. as a light is to darkness. We say this not out of pride in ourselves, but only because we are displeased by the great piece of wickedness practiced in the pharmacies original: Apotecken and by their doctors; therefore, it should rightly be called a darkness, and indeed more of a cesspool than a darkness. For many are treated by these ignorant fools only for the sake of money; if the patient had none, they would pronounce him healthy, even though they know that no help is to be found in their clumsy advice.

Since, therefore, the art is that which reveals the mystery of nature, a crippled person original: Contracter; someone suffering from limb contractions or paralysis. may then be healed in four days through the quintessence original: Quintum Esse; the "fifth essence," the most purified and potent spiritual core of a substance, believed to have miraculous healing powers. who would otherwise have remained lame until death; and a wound may be healed completely in twenty-four hours which, using crude bodies original: Corporn; unrefined, bulk medicinal substances., could not be finished in twenty-four days. We wish, with good spirit, to take up the mysteries of nature which experience original: Experiens separates from the impediments of bodies; and first, we shall consider what is of most use to man—