PREFACE

To

T H E R E A D E R .

Decorative woodcut initial 'C' featuring floral or foliate patterns.

Since I made mention of this little treatise on the generation of metals in the previous book I recently published, kind Reader, and yet, pressed by a shortage of time, I have not been able to have it printed until now, despite it being most passionately desired by men of the lowest and highest conditions alike: I judged it advisable to steal away enough time from other business to elaborate upon this for the public good. I do not doubt that my opinion on the generation of metals, although it may not align with all Philosophers natural scientists/alchemists, will gain faith and assent among more than a few insightful men. What I reveal here, I do not present with ornate words, many circumstances, or the testimonies of other writers, but in a naked and genuine simplicity, in which all truth consists. For this reason, I also did not wish for this treatise to be long, but have explained my mind in the most concise style possible. Let no one be induced to think that I intend to weaken the opinions of others regarding the generation of metals, or to force my own upon the world: not in the least. I leave to everyone their own judgment and the freedom to inspect the monuments of others who have written on this matter, and to compare them with my writings, so that one may clearly perceive which is proven to be more consistent with Nature and truth. I claim no honor here, as if I knew more than the common lot, nor do I calculate any