Text.Alchemica.1625-01.3A2r
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Source: Dyas Chymica Tripartita, Das ist: Sechs Herrliche Teutsche Philosophische Tractätlein, ed. Hermannus Condeesyanus [Johannes Rhenanus], Frankfurt am Main: Lucas Jennis, 1625, sig. ³A2r–³A3r = pag. 3–5 [BP.Alchemica.1625-01]
Summary: 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. (generated by ChatGPT)
Text
Ob wol günstiger lieber Leser/ das studium Chymicum, nicht allein sehr lustig vnd lieblich/ sondern auch/ wegen der darinnen vielfaltig verborgenen grossen Geheymnussen/ vnd den Gottsfürchtigen darauß erfolgenden Nutzbarkeiten/ alle andere Künste vnd studia weit vbertreffen thut: So ist es jedoch auch also damit beschaffen/ daß man nicht allweg die zeit allein mit lesen zu bringen kan; vnd solches daher/ weiln die Philosophi die vornembste wissenschafften so gar versteckt/ vnnd gleichsam in Labyrinthos verborgen haben.
Derentwegen dann meines bedüncken/ die jenige Bücher/ so beneben der Sinnreichen Beschreibung/ auch mit schönen Kunstreichen Figuren gezieret/ den andern vmb ein zimblichens vorzuziehen seyn. Weiln man in denselben/ nach dem das Gemüt durch daß vielfaltige lesen/ etlicher massen beschweret/ sich [p. 4] wiederumb ermundern kan. Nicht anderst/ als wenn man Sommerszeiten/ den gantzen Tag vber/ sich bey grosser Hitze/ mit vielen Geschäfften vnnd Arbeiten Müth gemacht/ vnnd abgemattet/ darauff gegen den Abend/ wenn die liebliche vnnd sehr angeneme Kühle herbey kompt/ sich entweder in einen schönen Lustgarten/ grüne Wiesen/ oder Wäldigen zu erspatzieren begibet. Da dann beydes der Leib vnd das Gemüt wiederumb erfrischet vnd ermundert werden.
Weiln dann günstiger Leser/ gegenwärtiges vorhergehendes werck Dyas Chymica Tripartita genandt/ allbereit mit vielen schönen Figuren gezieret/ Hab ich darauß anlaß genommen/ noch etliche darbey zu fügen: Als nemblichen/ diese hundert vnnd sechtzig gleichsam Chymische Emblemata, oder Spagyrische Rosen/ welche zu vor in Herrn Ioannis Danielis Mylii opere Medico-Chymico seynd gebraucht worden/ sampt noch vier andern grossen Figuren. Die Erste mit ΑΩ gezeichnet. Die drey vbrigen aber mit Nu[mero] 1. 2. 3.
Vnnd nach dem die Schrifft/ ermelter hundert vnd sechtzig Chymischer Emblematum, weiln sie in die ründe gestochen/ etwas mühesam zulesen/ ohn daß auch/ denjenigen so der Lateinischen Sprach vnkün- [p. 5] dig/ nichts oder wenig nutz: Als ich hab günstiger Leser/ dir zu gefallen/ dieselbe transferiren vnnd allweg solche descriptiones gegen die Figuren vber drucken lassen[c1]. Wirst dich nun/ so wol dessen/ als auch deß vorher gehenden zu deinem Nutzen zu gebrauchen wissen/ vnd inmittels meine dißfals gutgemeinde Mühe/ vnd angewenden fleiß/ zum besten verstehen. Welches so ich es verspüren werde/ mir vrsach vnnd anlaß geben wird/ dir künfftig in mehrerm dißfals bedienst zuseyn. Damit Gott befolen.
L[ucas] Jennis.
Modern English Raw Translation
Dear favorable reader, the study of Alchemy is not only very delightful and pleasing but also surpasses all other arts and studies by far, due to the many great mysteries hidden within it and the benefits that follow for the God-fearing. However, it is also such that one cannot always spend time solely reading; this is because the philosophers have concealed the most important knowledge so deeply and hidden it as if within labyrinths.
For this reason, in my opinion, those books that, alongside ingenious descriptions, are also adorned with beautiful, artful figures, should be somewhat preferred over others. This is because in these books, after the mind has become somewhat burdened by the multitude of reading, one can find refreshment again. Just as in the summer, after having wearied oneself with many tasks and labors in the great heat all day, and then in the evening, when the pleasant and very welcome coolness comes, one goes for a walk either in a beautiful pleasure garden, green meadows, or wooded areas, where both body and mind are refreshed and revived.
Therefore, dear reader, since the preceding work called "Dyas Chymica Tripartita" is already adorned with many beautiful figures, I have taken the opportunity to add some more: Namely, these one hundred and sixty alchemical emblems, or Spagyric roses, which were previously used in the work of Mr. Ioannis Danielis Mylius' "Medico-Chymico," along with four other large figures. The first marked with ΑΩ. The remaining three, however, with the numbers 1, 2, 3.
And since the script of the mentioned one hundred and sixty alchemical emblems, being engraved in circles, is somewhat difficult to read, and also of little or no use to those not familiar with the Latin language, I have, dear reader, to please you, translated them and always printed such descriptions opposite the figures. You will now know how to use both this and the preceding for your benefit, and in the meantime, understand my well-intended effort and the diligence applied for the best. If I perceive this, it will give me reason and cause to serve you further in the future in this regard. With that, I commend you to God.
Lucas Jennis.