Authors/Paulus Melissus

Poems

• Poem, Paulus Melissus to Bernard Gilles Penot; Latin

Source: Tractatus varii, de vera praeparatione et usu medicamentorum chymicorum, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Frankfurt am Main: Johann Feyerabend for Peter Fischer, 1594, sig. A7r = pag. 14–25 [BP.Penot.1594-01]

This poem praises Penot's contributions to the medical field and his intellectual prowess. The poet admires Penot's ability to uncover hidden knowledge and apply it for the betterment of human health, comparing him to ancient kings and wise men for his wisdom and spirit. The extensive travels and lifelong learning of Penot are highlighted as sources of his deep understanding and innovation. The poet laments the shortness of human life, implying that with more time, Penot's insights could lead to even greater advancements and benefits for society.

• Poem, 1595, Paulus Melissus to Bernard Gilles Penot; Latin

Source: Egidius de Vadis, Dialogus inter naturam et filium philosophiae, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Frankfurt am Main: Johannes Saur for Johann Rex, 1595, sig. †2v [BP.Penot.1595-01]

This epigram by Paulus Melissus praises Penot's relentless pursuit of knowledge in the realms of nature and metallurgy. It admires Penot's eagerness to explore the earth's concealed treasures and his magnanimous spirit in sharing these discoveries widely, thus enriching the contemporary world with his contributions. The poem underscores the nobility of disseminating knowledge selflessly, fostering a culture of learning and generosity.

• Poem, Paulus Melissus to Oswald Crollius; Latin

Source: Oswald Crollius, Basilica chymica, Frankfurt am Main: Claude de Marne and Johann Aubry (heirs), 1609, sig. ()3r–()4r [BP.Crollius.1609-01]

Melissus praises Crollius's extensive travels through France and Italy in pursuit of noble arts and his ability to eloquently express foreign concepts. Unlike others who superficially engage with knowledge, Crollius deeply understands ancient Greek and Roman writings and contributes significantly to his field. Melissus admires Crollius's natural inclination not to hide his intellectual vigor and his efforts in creating healing remedies, emphasizing that even a single drop of Crollius's distillation or one of his pills is more effective than the numerous concoctions of other healers. He compares Crollius to renowned medical figures like Galen, Hippocrates, and Asclepius, suggesting that Crollius's work is equally valuable. Melissus encourages Crollius to compile his discoveries into a concise volume for the benefit of those passionate about such studies, expressing a wish for Crollius's long life and continued contributions to health and medicine, hoping his work will extend the lives of others significantly.

• Poem, 1593, Paulus Melissus to Oswald Crollius; Latin

Source: Oswald Crollius, Basilica chymica, Frankfurt am Main: Claude de Marne and Johann Aubry (heirs), 1609, sig. ()4r [BP.Crollius.1609-01]

Melissus highlights Crollius's mastery and innovative contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the distillation of herbal essences. Melissus marvels at the process of distillation, where the unique properties of herbs are refined by fire into three distinct substances: salt, oil, and spirit, each with its own layer within the glass and identifiable by color. He admires the foundational work of Paracelsus, whose discoveries and intellectual prowess paved the way for new chemical arts and methods of healing. Paracelsus is credited with teaching chemists to cure the sick with simple, yet effective, remedies. Melissus then turns his admiration to Crollius, considering him fortunate for his role in preserving and utilizing such knowledge for the benefit of humanity.