Pretiosa margarita novella de thesauro, ac pretiosissimo philosophorum lapide : artis huius divinae typus, et methodus: collectanea ex Arnaldo, Rhaymundo, Rhasi, Alberto, et Michaele Scoto

In which it is discussed so learnedly and exquisitely, so subtly, copiously, and accurately, that you will find nothing left out, nothing undiscussed, nothing not fully proven, which in the end, no one—not one from the whole number—had done before. This discourse, indeed, will be (in my judgment) not unpleasant nor ungrateful, not only to those who delight in this kind of study, but even to those who are accustomed to be continually opposed to this science and art, and it will be deemed more precious than gold and gems. Rightly, therefore, would I have fallen into that same crime of avarice (which has always been far from me), if I either allowed shadows to be cast for too long over this most clear matter, or if I bore with equanimity the philosophers of our time (if there are any, though they are very few) deprived and bereft of the character of such excellent genius and doctrine, not without great detriment to them and, finally, to every kind of discipline. Therefore, so that I may not be rightfully considered ungenerous or inhuman by those who have devoted their study and works to such doctrine, but rather that I might be able, as far as lies in me, to benefit not only myself but also others, I have arranged for certain collections from Raymond Lull, from Arnaldus de Villa Nova, from Michael Scotus and Rhasis, Divine Albertus, and other men of this class and of many readings, together with Bonus of Ferrara, to go into the public sphere and now be sent to the light for common utility. In which you will indeed find nothing that is not egregiously learned, excellent, and absolute. For such is the knowledge of these philosophers (especially that of Bonus of Ferrara) regarding these matters. Such is the incredible abundance of things and the almost divine power of speaking, that I have not doubted to place Bonus himself above all others and as the foremost by far. I think that, in short, no one will be able to wonder enough when he reads and feels that golden river of philosophy pouring forth.