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

For if he tries to explain the hidden and abstruse meanings of the philosophers: who is more subtle than this man? If he wishes to render the reasons for this most profound discipline, and to demonstrate its truth most accurately: who will be more learned, who clearer, who finally more outstanding than he? Hence, not without reason, the title was affixed to the frontispiece: The Precious New Pearl. And it truly brings forth new and precious pearls, not obscure, not blackened by ambiguities, as is the case with almost all others, which it will be easy to see as a part of such an eminent science and superexcellent philosophy by the monuments of those writers who have depicted it so obscurely and grimly that no one seemed likely to ever fully comprehend it. But our Bonus did not follow them; rather, he demonstrated so learnedly, ornately, and brilliantly, in the Peripatetic and Averroistic doctrine, as well as in the most familiar terms, not only the possibility and truth, but the necessity of it, to all students, with a demonstration of "why" and a most powerful proof. I have collected his reasons and works into one with great labor and, as far as I could, I have elucidated, purified, enlarged, and brought them to the desired clarity. I would hope that this diligence of mine, or rather curiosity, will not be in vain for students or ungrateful to the learned. But with the same piety with which, by some fortune or fate, we are driven toward all students, now also receive with a joyful face these works unearthed from darkness, which for a long time were wishing for the light; embrace the cheerful and pious restorer and cherish him in your bosom. Do not cease to render immortal thanks to him for such a great gift. I would therefore like to persuade you to be occupied day and night in the reading of it. And if I learn that the work is pleasing, as soon as I have acquired some leisure, expect the Method for all the books of divine Raymond Lull. Farewell.