Preface.

A large decorative historiated initial 'A' featuring intricate foliate scrollwork and vine patterns.
Alphidius Likely referring to an Arabic alchemical author known in the West as Alphidius, often cited in medieval treatises., one of the ancient sages, says: he who cannot visualize for himself anything within the Art of the Philosopher’s Stone original: "stains der Philosophen"; the legendary substance capable of transmuting base metals and perfecting the human soul., it is more useful for him not to practice it at all than to attempt anything. Similarly, Rhazes original: "Rasis"; Abu Bakr al-Razi, a Persian polymath and one of the most important figures in the history of medicine and alchemy. speaks in the book Light of Lights original: "Lumen Luminum": it is to be diligently forbidden—and I also highly warn everyone herewith—that no one should presume to undertake the unknown mixing of the elements. Rosinus original: "Rosinus"; the Latinized name for Zosimos of Panopolis, a Greco-Egyptian alchemist whose works were preserved through Arabic translations. also intends this, saying: all who engage in this Art and lack the understanding and knowledge of the things which the Philosophers In this context, "Philosophers" refers to the "Adepts" or ancient masters of alchemy. have written in their books, they are without understanding. For the Philosophers have placed the foundation of this Art in a natural beginning, yet of hidden operation original: "verborgner würckhung". Although it is manifest that all physical things take their origin from the Earth, and likewise their being according to the order of time, they are brought forth through the influence of the stars or planets—such as the Sun and Moon and the others—together with the four qualities of the elements The classical qualities of Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, which were thought to govern the transformation of matter. which move them without ceasing. Through this, each and every growing and generating thing is produced with its own specific nature.