Preface 1, no date (1566), Gerhard Dorn to the Reader (BP.Dorn.1567-01)
| Author: | Gerhard Dorn |
| Recipient: | Reader |
| Type: | Dedication |
| Date: | no date [1566] |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Quote as: | https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=2656 |
| Editor: | Edited by Julian Paulus |
| Source: | Gerhard Dorn, Clavis totius philosophiae chymisticae, Lyon: Jacques Giunta (héritiers) 1567, p. 12-13 [BP.Dorn.1567-01]
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| Translation: | Raw translation see below |
| Abstract: | Dorn urges the reader to read and re-read the book carefully, assuring that if done correctly, he can uncover the beautiful secrets of the art. Dorn mentions the value of practical application over theory, highlighting his own experiences of learning more from mistakes and failures than from passive reading. He also cautions the reader about the potential pitfalls of overreaching, warning against using alchemy for the transformation of common metals. (generated by Chat-GPT) |
| Back to Paratexts Back to Texts by Gerhard Dorn |
[p. 12] Ad lectorem præfatio.
Habes hic optime lector, Theoriam & Praxim totius artis Chymisticæ, quam (nisi velis) ex lectura compendioli huius ignorare non potes. Lege & relege pluries, cum tranquillæ mentis attentione, nil obiter aut inconsideratum pertransiens. Quod si dispersæ nostræ mentis opinionem collegeris, nihil eorum quæ pulchra sunt in hac arte, latere te poterit vnquam. Inuenies hic sub duro cortice veræ medicinæ laticem, quo te, necnon amicos & pauperes à languoribus corporeis (auxilio Dei) subleuare possis. Laborum te non pœniteat in exercendo practicam, [p. 13] quam tibi descripsimus: nam fabricando nosipsi fabri facti sumus in hac arte, non lectura sola. Quod si fortè contingat primo, vel secundo votum te non consequi, ne desponderis animum, sed tertio & quarto rem ipsam repetas. Accidit erranti mihi sæpius, compotem illius me fieri, quod appetebat animus. Nihil prohibet hominem ad hanc artem peruenire magis, quàm pusillanimitas, & impatientia. Hoc solo nunc te monitum velim, quòd medicinæ corporis humani limites in principio non excedas: nam si metallorum vulgarium methamorphosim quæsieris, deplorabis errorem tuum. Vale, æqui boniq́ue labores nostros consule.
English Raw Translation
Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 29 June 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.
Preface to the Reader.
Here you have, dear reader, the Theory and Practice of the whole art of Alchemy, which you cannot ignore from reading this little book (unless you wish to). Read and reread it multiple times, with calm attention of mind, not passing over anything superficially or without consideration. If you gather the dispersed thoughts of our mind, nothing that is beautiful in this art will ever be able to hide from you. You will find here, under the tough bark, the sap of true medicine, with which you can alleviate yourself, as well as friends and the poor from bodily ailments (with God's help). Do not regret the labors in exercising the practice, which we have described for you: for we have become craftsmen in this art ourselves through making, not reading alone. If it happens by chance that you do not achieve your wish on the first or second try, do not despair, but repeat the process itself a third and fourth time. It has often happened to me that, by making a mistake, I have become the possessor of what my soul desired. Nothing prevents a man from reaching this art more than timidity and impatience. I only want to advise you this now, that you do not exceed the limits of human medicine in the beginning: for if you seek the transformation of common metals, you will regret your error. Farewell, and judge our work with fairness and goodwill.
