Basil Valentine Revived or the Shining Star of Alchemy

Preface.

behave like an echo. But whoever finds it agreeable should not think that he already has the bird in the cage, as more requirements (Requisita) are needed for it, which the beginning of this work will show to everyone. For whoever the heavenly alchemical Astræa goddess of justice/innocence wishes to favor will obtain the golden branch. If you see, therefore, that you are not chosen for this, abandon it in good time and amuse yourself only with the ingenious and excellent theory (Theoria), and exercise yourself in wholesome particular remedial means. But if some deceitful sophist comes to you, lay the following saying (Dictum) of the famous JOH. BECHER before him:

I conclude for the firmest thesis, he is an ass who speaks against alchemy, but a fool and a scoundrel who offers it for sale.

As for the first member of this saying, we shall not examine it here, since we have spoken enough about it in our introduction, but reflect a little further on the second: for if someone possesses the practice (Practica) of this most noble art, he will not be so crazy in the head as to offer it for money