Prodromus of the Metallurgical Library

because envy and other circumstances keep much hidden, he must learn it from his own experience, for which much time, opportunity, and cash are required, so that much must remain behind and unworked because human life is short.

Therefore, besides practice, there is no better aid than to make use of the writings that experienced men have left behind. This undertaking will serve to obtain a knowledge of such writings, especially if in the future a more specific report on each writing should come to light. And because the author also collects such books, both to make use of them for the specific report and to execute a certain work from which one could derive benefit for the public in the future, those who possess some of the books not marked with an * in duplicate, or who otherwise wish or are able to part with them, are requested to give kind notice thereof and to provide them for a reasonable price.