PREFACE OF

CHRYSOGONUS

POLYDORUS to the Reader, concerning some

booklets on alchemy original: "περὶ χρυσείας".

A decorative drop cap 'C' features a floral scrollwork design.

WHEN I wished to allow some selected booklets of the ancients on alchemy original: "περὶ χρυσείας" to be printed from our library, so that greater benefit might flow from them to students of philosophy, I thought that I should say something by way of preface. For I do not doubt that many good men, yet unskilled in the nature of things, consider this whole class of art to be entirely worthy of contempt and to be covered in silence: whether because they opine that it is utterly false, or because they judge it more difficult than it is worth to investigate with great labors for an uncertain outcome. I indeed, although I was once of the same opinion, was nevertheless lured by the desire for learning, and upon occasion diligently inspected this class of authors, and derived such knowledge of things from them that I congratulate myself not a little, and I do not hesitate to urge others to learn them as well. For since all philosophy either directs speech, or forms morals, or investigates the hidden things of nature, and concern for speech exists for the sake of something else, while the rule of morals is sought from elsewhere than from philosophy, who does not see that that part of philosophy which explains the natures and causes of things is the most excellent? Metals, moreover, are not the smallest portion of the things of nature; no part of human life can be without them without detriment, since they are the instruments of all artisans, the values of all things, and the ornaments of all dignities. I pass over the fact that they also richly instruct medicine and provide various colors for painting. Otherwise, even by their mere contemplation, they would be a source of great admiration. Wherefore I cannot yet determine for myself whether the knowledge of their nature is more useful or more pleasant. Aristotle and Theophrastus wrote about these, doubtlessly both of them exactly (for it is right to believe so), and if those writings still existed, perhaps there would be no need for students of philosophy to lower themselves to this class of authors. But since those are now missed, nothing else remains from which we may draw certain and exact knowledge of them. But if the impurity of diction or the uncultivated barbarism in this class of writers should offend anyone, he should consider that very few in such a great age have combined significant knowledge of things with eloquence: nor should a treasure so precious be neglected or even discarded because of the inconveniences of speech. For it is worthwhile to hear the most ingenious men, relying partly on the principles of philosophy, partly on the proofs of experience, and partly on both, arguing about this art, and indeed about the entire nature of metals,