Basil Valentine Revived or the Shining Star of Alchemy

is ignorant of the principles of nature, and therefore of art; therefore a sophist rather than a philosopher. Therefore, another PHILOSOPHUS philosopher has also spoken: Whoever does not know how metals are composed, also does not know how to destroy them.

The final probation of our brought-forth question—that Alchemy is a true and valid art—is that countless arts have sprung from it, such as the art of glassmaking, gold beating, parting and smelting, changing ♀ copper into brass, salt boiling, and extracting colors from various bodies, which are then used for painting. Indeed, noble medicine would also suffer much loss of recovery-remedies if this excellent science did not support it in this area; for a sick and needy person asks nothing for high-talking medical whims, but demands certain, safe aids and recovery-remedies. Where are these to be found, however? Do not ask; nowhere but in the bosom of the most noble Alchemy.

Indeed, this art of all arts, because of its excellence and utility, has drawn to itself the men most experienced in world-wisdom, since through this art, as a mirror of the spread-out nature, the unfathomable omnipotence of the Creator is partially recognized; as can be seen from the writings of the old and faithful HERMES TRISMEGISTUS.