Disputationes chymico-medicae

seemed to be opened, in which the labor of industry, previously exercised by me in private, might now run forth and more freely descend toward the most healthy increase of universal Medicine (may it be favorable, happy, and fortunate).

Intending to comply with an equal mind to the judgment of so Great a PRINCE, I must now speak before I make a public beginning of my works, according to a laudable custom born not far from the cradle of this University. I cannot hide that my spirit, leaping as it were from the innermost hiding places of my heart, intensely desires to instill something great and admirable, not only into your ears, you who hear these things, but into the minds of everyone in the whole world who desires to heal well.

To perform this correctly, I am so far from thinking that the tongue of any most eloquent Orator would suffice for me, that I believe I must much more implore the entire auxiliary forces of Eloquence herself. I would scarcely achieve the goal of this Oration unless, standing a little while in the vestibule, I were to cry out with a voice louder than Stentor: CHYMIATRIAM Chymiatry, or chemical medicine, or that mystic science of healing well used by the Philosophers, was worthy to have obtained, preserved, and propagated to posterity its honored place in the Universities, its public chair, and the medical pulpits by its own right long ago.

Indeed, AUDITORS, although that art could scarcely vindicate itself from the calumnies and insane judgments of wicked men (a depraved custom of all ages which we rightly deplore, where the most idle—that is, those who have enriched the disease of ignorance with malice—judge the arts), yet who does not see, who does not understand, that CHYMIA Chemistry is embraced within most sacred Medicine and stands out in noble use? For how many today among all nations, practicing medicine in the courts of Princes and in famous cities, do not obscurely boast that they seek no contemptible additions to their profession and success from CHYMIATRIA? Who could be so stupid, or even so senseless, as to dare to deny these things?

Yet I for my part will not deny that Medicine once lacked, and could lack, a chemical apparatus: for these are arts that do not share one and the same essence. But that Medicine is perfect and absolute without Chemistry for the sake of better use and greater profit: that is what I deny, and will deny as long as I live.

The most ancient Physicians—the Greeks, Egyptians, Arabs, and Latins—led by a certain necessity, cultivated many parts of Chemistry recognized and approved by them, and adorned them with the praise of the art. But the more recent ones, when they noticed that the whole of Chemistry, established and amplified by science, prudence, and experience—the perennial instruments for exploring the truth—was taking on far greater and more illustrious increases, they were not ashamed to plead with her quite modestly. Although she might be sufficient to herself by her own perfection, and might excel others because of the goal she has, which is very exquisite and certain, she nevertheless would not grudgingly renounce her right, and whatever dignity, splendor, and utility she possessed, she would bring it all into the service of Medicine alone.

These prayers, proceeding frugally from the prudent explorers of a most eager mind, wonderfully won over the delighted Chemistry. And so it happened that, with the forces of both parties not opposing each other, they entered into the sweetest embraces, and they coalesced among themselves by a very faithful and most healthy bond, never leaping apart in any disagreement. Even when she sometimes withdraws into the camps of her own contemplations, she immediately returns to the original and indivisible embrace of this most desired society.

What is it then, what is it, I say, or what has been the object of hindrance until now, why we do not see this most desired conjunction—reached and joined for the one goal of perfection and placed on the most splendid summit of honors? Why do we not set sail for her honor? By Hercules, there was nothing at all that could have weakened or entirely removed the dignity or utility of this most desired institution. For since Chemistry is so suited and familiar for the helping of Medicine, it would be insulting to think otherwise.