Preface.

Since I have brought to press, at the request of many good and noble people, a Tractatum treatise on the Great Stone of the Ancients by Fratris Basilii Valentini, Benedicter Ordens Friar Basilius Valentinus, of the Benedictine Order, which I humbly offered and dedicated to His Electoral Grace of Brandenburg, along with his highly praiseworthy and beloved spouse, and since a special little book was found therein, De occulta Philosophia, or the miraculous birth of the seven planets, written in a philosophical and poetic manner, I have been moved once again to bring this short libellus to the light of day. Since I have finally allowed myself to be moved by the urging of such good people to comply with their wishes, and since you, Honorable Sir, are not only renowned for having furthered all philosophical arts through lengthy experience, expense, and effort, but may also be counted among the number of those philosophers who know how to defend their own from the depths of Nature. Therefore, I have not wanted to fail to dedicate this short little book to you, Honorable Sir, as one who...

1602.
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