A decorative horizontal woodcut border featuring repeating floral motifs. Below the title is the alchemical and astrological symbol for Mercury (☿).

The First Chapter.

How Mercury

was born.

A large ornamental woodcut drop cap 'W' featuring intricate scrollwork and foliage designs.

As my age approached its end, having traveled through almost the entire world and wandered all its corners, and while I thought to possess rest and peace without strife, my path led through Egypt, which is very fertile. Having traversed excellent gold-rich waters, I had much concern to contemplate the world’s secrets, and as I disputed with myself, the Nile opened, and a cruel, invincible wind emerged. It made great waves at the shore and port of the water, and cast a mighty serpent onto the land, which called itself Orcades.