Spagyric Anatomy of Mercury

Although many very learned men have handed down and recorded many things here and there in their writings concerning this metal or mineral, namely MERCURY, yet no one of them, as far as we know, has come forward until now who has dared to undertake to treat this matter fully, solidly, and professionally in a peculiar commentary. Rather, it is certain that most things that are read among them concerning this kind of argument are either too constrained and concise, or entirely maimed and imperfect, and furthermore, they have little of methodical disposition or perspicuity, but much of confusion and obscurity, and do not fill the mind of the avid reader or satisfy his desire.

When I noticed this, I, relying on the help of the divine deity, not long ago—especially with others adding the spur—set myself with the GOOD GOD to write this Treatise on MERCURY, or Quicksilver, in which, as much as I was able through the weakness of my powers, I have attempted to hand down, teach, and explain clearly, perspicuously, openly, and methodically all those things which are