Authors/Jonas Kitzkatz

Personal Bibliography

• Bibliographia Paracelsistarum/Jonas Kitzkatz

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedication, 1 January 1583, Jonas Kitzkatz to Mayor and Council of Leipzig; German (Source: BP.Kitzkatz.1583-01)

from: Jonas Kitzkatz, Speculum alchimistarum, Hof: Matthäus Pfeilschmidt, 1583

Kitzkatz describes the deceitful practices of charlatans pretending to be alchemists. These impostors promise great wealth through their supposed arts, attracting investors and leading them into false hope. When their schemes are about to be exposed, they delay or vanish, leaving behind ruined victims. The author highlights how these con men dress grandly and flaunt their ill-gotten gains to entice new victims. He also mentions how they are able to avoid legal consequences by fleeing to safe locations. This letter serves as a warning against such fraudulent individuals. The author's faith in true nature and God's immutable laws is contrasted with the false promises of the deceivers.

• Dedication, 8 June 1583, Jonas Kitzkatz to Hans Gangolf von Witzleben and Hans Adam von Wirsperg; German (Source: BP195)

from: Paracelsus, De antimonio tractatus, ed. Jonas Kitzkatz, Hof: Matthäus Pfeilschmidt, 1583

This dedication is directed to two noblemen with an interest in alchemy and natural secrets. It introduces a treatise "De Antimonio," and emphasizes its virtues and insights, reflecting the author's association with the learned traditions of alchemy and philosophy. Kitzcatius praises the wisdom contained within and laments those who misconstrue the teachings, leading to poverty and misunderstanding.

Poems

• Poem, no date (1583), by Jonas Kitzkatz; German (Source: BP195)

from: Paracelsus, De antimonio tractatus, ed. Jonas Kitzkatz, Hof: Matthäus Pfeilschmidt, 1583

The poem praises Theophrastus, likening him to Luther for his teachings and efforts to denounce false practices in both medicine and alchemy. He is portrayed as a hero who leads people away from misleading paths, using theory and practical application to validate his teachings. The text speaks of his honor, recognized by both God and men, and emphasizes his resting place in Salzburg, where he awaits eternal joy. His body may be buried, but his soul continues to live in God's hall.