[Divers traitez de la philosophie naturelle]

to treat of this precious Art, so that their words might serve as a rule for those who will come after. He therefore commanded that Iximedrus should speak first, who was of very good counsel, and who said,

From all things there is a beginning, and one Nature, which is of itself sufficient without the aid of another, to multiply itself into infinity, otherwise all would be lost and corrupted.

2. THE TURBA says, Master, if you begin, we shall follow your words; and Pythagoras says, Know all of you who are seeking this Art, that a true tincture a substance capable of transmuting base metals is never made except from our red stone; therefore do not destroy your souls nor