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

Against the sophists in their art Was not that ancient Hermes, the thrice-great Hermes Trismegistus, the inventor of this art? But I pass over all the ancients, because the day would hardly suffice if I wished to mention them all; I will bring into the middle only these more recent theologians. First, John of Damascus, a religious and holy man, and a distinguished theologian; Albert, byname the Great; and divine Thomas, who do not need proof of how much they shone in doctrine and holiness. Look also at Roger Bacon, Haymo, and Raymond Godfrey, most excellent theologians; the most reverend Bishop of Trent, John; Cardinal Garcia, and others whom the historian Vincent lists among the authors of alchemy: Brother Elias, Brother William, Richard, Peter of Ailly, Morienus, and many other monastics and excellent theologians, whom I will cloak in silence so as not to be a weariness to you, for their works and labors in this art are widely known. What shall I report about the historian Vincent, a religious man and most learned in every way? Who did not hesitate in