To the Readers.

...to the unlearned, the incredulous, and those who are by no means capable, the mockers and the mimes, as if they were unworthy, for whom nothing that tastes of wisdom, nothing that does not appear pleasing to gain or to the senses and the vulgar, exists. We desire that these things remain truly arcane and closed to them. Indeed, we hope and shall strive, as much as lies within us, that these things be published only for you, hidden from them, understood by you, and not even read by them. It is your duty not to oppose this outpouring of my soul and this readiness of my will and study, but to interpret it in good part. I would wish for you to be commended to God, the Best and Greatest.

A rectangular decorative woodcut headpiece features a repeating symmetrical pattern of stylized foliate scrolls and vines.

ON THE SYMBOL

Of the Magnificent and Illustrious Gentleman, Michael Maier:

The grace of a beautiful form of the body is something,

To be able to teach of an ancient lineage is something.

Wisdom gained by vigilant labor is something,

The wealth which the great world holds is something:

Yet if we observe how much the Author surpasses these,

They are nothing, or less than nothing, if that is possible.

Chr: Reinhart, Doctor of Laws

Knight of the Imperial Order

and Poet Laureate.

MICHAEL MAIER, DOCTOR, COUNT PALATINE.

THAT HOPE OF MINE IS IN CHRIST GOD,

I LOVE THE TORTURE a reference to the "torture" of the alchemical process or the struggle for wisdom,

Lest the ill-persuading love of gold should hold me.

Let a golden dowry please others and feed their eyes,

I LOVE THE LAUREL, THUS THE OMEN, A JUST DOWRY PLEASES ME.