Preface, 1568-02-09, Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader

From Theatrum Paracelsicum
Author: Adam von Bodenstein
Recipient: Reader
Type: Preface
Date: 9 February 1568
Place: Basel
Pages: 3
Language: Latin
Quote as: https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=2057
Editor: Edited by Julian Paulus
Source:
Paracelsus, Septem libri de gradibus, de compositionibus, de dosibus receptorum ac Naturalium, ed. Adam von Bodenstein, Basel: Pietro Perna 1568, sig. a2r-a3r [BP098]
CP: Not in Kühlmann/Telle, Corpus Paracelsisticum
Translation: Raw translation see below
Abstract: The passage discusses the popularity of Paracelsus' books, which contain sacred doctrines on medicine. However, it is warned that the books can confuse and alienate the inexperienced due to their use of enigmas and falsehoods. Despite this, a treatise on Degrees and Compositions of Receptors with annotations has been reprinted for sale. The reader is advised to interpret the text sincerely and without showing ingratitude to more learned individuals. The importance of prayer and asking for divine guidance in performing operations is emphasized. The reader is also warned not to be discouraged by the false explanations added by Leo Suavius to Paracelsus' books, and it is noted that Suavius denies the resolution of metals, indicating a lack of industry and wisdom. (generated by Chat-GPT)
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[sig. a2r] Lectori salvtem.

Mvltos vocatos interque ipsos nonnullos electos, Paracelsi libros coemere voluere & relegere certò, lector optime, liquet. Istos (quorum ex numero insignis nugigerulus Leo Suauius primas paulum post principia tenet) sacrata placita, admoranda prouidentia omnipotens, Theophrasto præ cunctis hominibus largiter infusa, vt quærentibus miserationem Christi, viam rectam ad vtramque medicinam commonstraret, obfuscare, immo trucidare ignominiose, in odium ducere meris ænigmatibus mendacijsque simpliciorum & tyronum animos deterrere & abalienare, omnes neruos intendere constat illos, quo proximis in angustijs summis auxilium ferre poßint (admoniti exemplo Samaritani & præceptis sacris) vulneribus mummiam adhibere, & veluti generosi canes Lazarum, lingendo vlcera [sig. a2v] refecerunt, vires labefactatas roborare, spiritum vitæ iuuare, summamq́ue clementiam intellectiui venerari addiscant & consuefiant. Factum ergo ijs, alijsque de causis, vt librorum Paracelsicorum, iam ante annos publicatorum, vix duo aut tria exemplaria quorundam extent vænalia: quocirca cum audirem quosdam raritatem tantorum quæritare, cœpi ipsis gratificari: iamque in præsentia tractatus de Gradibus & Compositionib[us] receptorum cum scholijs, quibus de Anatomia in fine tractatulus cohæret, recudere curaui: sic enim soleo micas salis quo tuear corpusculum ab putredine, imbibere, quousque ipse balsamus prodeat. Tuum itaque erit interea agere syncerum, & omnia dextrè quæ sunt probata interpretati: nullibi doctioribus ingratitudinem exhibere, frontemque corrugage ob tuammet ignorantiam, cum non sit cuiusuis adire Corinthum, sed quod sint in die vigintiquatuor horæ, quarum [sig. a3r] singulæ cum sint inter se inæquales, alias operationes inferre, iubente Deo, rationem habere, illumq́ue qui humiles & constantes in oratione exaudit, & eleuat, absq́ue intermißione rogare, vt fastigium imponat in altißimis, tum senties hos labores veros esse, saluberrimosque fructus producere. Non te absterreant falsæ & coloratæ, quin immo diabolicæ expositiones Suauij, quas nequiter supra libros de Vita longa Paracelsi finxit & publicauit. Mendacia eiusdem rugientis leonis diligentius perpende, facile quàm sit imprudens, & impudens, insignis sycophanta, & ignarus vniuersæ philosophiæ deprehendes. Metallorum negat resolutionem, quod salis, hoc est industriæ & sapientiæ valde parum in se habeat. Vale: Datum Basileæ festinanti calamo ix. Februarij. 1568.

Adamus à Bodenstein Doctor & Medicus.


English Raw Translation

Generated by ChatGPT on 6 April 2023. 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.

To the reader, greetings.

It is clear, esteemed reader, that many have wanted to purchase and read the books of Paracelsus, among whom some have been chosen. Those (among whom the witty Leo Suavius holds a prominent place, a little after the beginning) contain sacred doctrines that the all-knowing providence infused more abundantly in Theophrastus than in any other person, so that he might show the right path to both medicines to those who seek the mercy of Christ. It is known that these books can confuse, or even discredit and alienate the minds of the simple and inexperienced by means of pure enigmas and falsehoods, rather than guiding them towards the true way. Therefore, they must concentrate all their nerves to be able to offer help in the most extreme and difficult situations (taking the example of the Samaritan and the sacred precepts), to apply mummy to wounds, as well-bred dogs lick the sores of Lazarus and bring back their strength, to assist the faltering forces, support the spirit of life, and learn and become accustomed to the highest level of intellectual kindness.

Therefore, for these and other reasons, only two or three copies of Paracelsian books, published years ago, are barely available for sale. Hence, when I heard some people seeking the rarity of such works, I began to please them. And now, in the present time, I have taken care of reprinting the treatise on Degrees and Compositions of Receptors with the annotations, which complements the small treatise on Anatomy at the end, for this is how I usually imbue the small particles of salt to protect the body from decay until the balm itself appears.

Therefore, it will be your job to act sincerely and interpret everything that is proven well, without showing ingratitude to the more learned ones, and without wrinkling your forehead because of your own ignorance, since not everyone can enter Corinth. But remember that there are twenty-four hours in a day, and each hour is unequal to the others. One must consider this when, with God's permission, it is time to perform different operations, and constantly pray without interruption, asking Him to place us on the highest summit. Then, you will feel that these labors are true and produce the most beneficial fruits.

Do not be discouraged by the false, colored, or even devilish explanations of Suavius that he wickedly added and published above Paracelsus's books. By carefully considering the lies of the same roaring lion, you will easily recognize how imprudent, impudent, and ignorant of all philosophy he is. He denies the resolution of metals, which shows that he has very little salt, that is, industry and wisdom. Farewell. Given in Basel, with a hasty pen, on February 9, 1568.

Adam von Bodenstein, Doctor and Physician.