Authors/Lucas Jennis

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Preface, no date [1625], [Lucas Jennis] to the Reader; German

Source: Dyas Chymica Tripartita, Das ist: Sechs Herrliche Teutsche Philosophische Tractätlein, ed. Hermannus Condeesyanus, Frankfurt am Main: Lucas Jennis, 1625, sig. ³A2r–³A3r = pag. 3–5 [BP.Alchemica.1625-01]

In the preface, Lucas Jennis addresses the reader to highlight the allure and superiority of alchemical studies, emphasizing their delightful nature and the profound mysteries they hold, surpassing other arts and sciences due to their inherent benefits for the devout. He points out, however, that the pursuit of alchemy is not limited to reading alone, as the philosophers have intricately concealed their most significant knowledge, likening its complexity to labyrinths. Jennis advocates for books that not only offer insightful descriptions but are also enhanced with artistic illustrations, arguing that these visuals serve to rejuvenate the mind, much like a refreshing walk in nature after a day's toil. He informs the reader that the work "Dyas Chymica Tripartita" is already rich with such figures, and to further enrich the reader's experience, he has added one hundred and sixty alchemical emblems or Spagyric roses from Ioannis Danielis Mylius' work, along with four large figures, marked ΑΩ and numbers 1, 2, 3. Acknowledging the challenges of reading the circularly engraved script of these emblems and their limited utility to those unfamiliar with Latin, Jennis has translated them, placing the descriptions opposite the figures, aiming to enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the work. He concludes by expressing his hope that the reader finds value in his efforts, which would encourage him to offer more assistance in the future.