Notice, (1548), Johann Petreius to the Reader

Author:	Johann Petreius
Recipient:	Reader
Type:	Notice
Date:	[1548]
Pages:	1
Language:	Latin

Quote as:

https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=5923

Editor:	Edited by Julian Paulus
Source:	[Giovanni Bracesco], De alchemia dialogi II, Nürnberg: Johann Petreius 1548, sig. A1v [BP.Alchemica.1548-01]

Abstract:

The typographer addresses the reader, explaining the publication of complex alchemical works by Geber and Raymond Lull in previous years. These texts, appearing straightforward at first, hold deeper meanings that may elude even the educated. To prevent misunderstandings and guide enthusiasts through the intricate subject of alchemy, the typographer shares dialogues meant to serve as a navigational aid through this metaphorical labyrinth. The author of these dialogues, with diligent study and practical experimentation, has not fully unraveled all mysteries but has significantly aided in interpreting and applying the symbolic language of these texts. This effort is intended to enlighten scholars and caution less knowledgeable individuals against delving into an art they may not fully grasp, potentially leading to their detriment. (generated by Chat-GPT)

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[sig. A1v] Typographvs lectori Salutem.

Edidi superioribus annis, aliquot Gebri atque Raimundi Lullij opuscula de Alchemia, quæ utraque longe aliud habent in recessu, quàm prima fronte præ se ferant, Vnde facile fieri potest, ut non modo rudes, uerum etiam paulo doctiores in illis intelligendis, cæcutiant, & à uero scopo aberrent. Quod cum minime fieri uelim (nam prodesse, non obesse cupio.) statio hos dialogos eius artis studiosis communicandos esse, quorum ductu ceu filo quodam freti, hunc Labyrinthum audacter ingrediantur, & salui regrediantur. Author enim eorum, quisquis fuit, tanta diligentia atque industria non modo libellos illos perscrutatus est, uerum etiam res ipsas experiundo tractauit. Vt etiam si non omnia illorum mysteria eruerit (superbum enim esset id asseuerare) plurimum tamen eruditis ad intelligendos & oberuandos illorum figuratos sermones contulerit, ut quædam etiam ipsi, eius exemplo sint inuenturi. Indoctioribus autem uel in hoc profuerit, ut ostendendo, in hac arte, longe aliud quàm uerba sonent, significari, eos absterreat, ne se arti, cui idonei non sunt, in suam perniciem immergant. Vale.

English Raw Translation

Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 29 January 2024. Attention: This translation is a machine translation by artificial intelligence. The translation has not been checked and should not be cited without additional human verification.

The typographer greets the reader.

In previous years, I published several small works on Alchemy by Geber and Raymond Lull, both of which contain something far different in their depth than what they initially appear to present. Hence, it can easily happen that not only the uninitiated but even those slightly more learned might struggle in understanding them and stray from the true goal. Since I wish this to happen least of all (for I desire to be helpful, not harmful), I have decided to share these dialogues with those studying this art, whose guidance, like a thread, may confidently carry them into this labyrinth and bring them safely back. The author of these, whoever he was, has with great diligence and effort not only thoroughly examined those small books but also engaged with the matters themselves through experimentation. So that even if he has not unearthed all their mysteries (for it would be arrogant to claim so), he has contributed significantly to the learned in understanding and observing their allegorical discourses, so that they may even find some things on their own, following his example. To the less learned, it might at least be beneficial by showing that in this art, something far different is signified than what the words express, deterring them from immersing themselves in an art for which they are not suited, to their own detriment. Farewell.