Text.BP190.G1r
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Source: Paracelsus, Centum quindecim curationes experimentaque, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Lyon: Jean Lertout, 1582, sig. G1r–G1v = pag. 81 [97]–82 [98] [BP190]
Summary: Penot expresses initial hesitation about publishing his work due to the skepticism it might face unless endorsed by a reputable figure. He chooses Kittlitz for his renowned wisdom, knowledge, piety, and unparalleled experience in philosophy, dedicating this work as a token of gratitude. Penot anticipates potential criticism for seemingly divulging the sacred mysteries of their art to the masses. However, he reassures Kittlitz that the content is crafted to remain concealed from the uninitiated, accessible only to those of high intellectual caliber like Johann and others who have reached the pinnacle of philosophical understanding. (generated by ChatGPT)
Text
Cvm in animum inducerem hoc scriptum in vulgus edere, diu multúmque dubitaui, cuius patrocinio mihi vtendum foret, vt illi gratiam & authoritatem aliquam conciliarem. Multi enim omnia quæ in hoc genere scribuntur, nugas & Chimeras putant, nisi boni & grauis alicuius viri testimonio muniantur. Tu verò vnus instar omnium mihi in mentem venisti, cuius grauitas, doctrina, pietas & ea (qua omnibus quos in hac philosophiæ parte exercitatos noui) antecellis experientia, nota sunt. Tibi igitur hoc munusculum nouum, suo tamen sale conditum, dedico, vt aliquod grati erga te anomi indicium à me habeas: vnum vereor, ne mihi succenseas, quòd sacra nostræ artis mysteria vulgo promiscuéque pandere videar. Sed cùm omnia ita ab authore scripta esse cogitabis, vt prophanos latere poßint, tibíque soli aut alijs qui ad Parnaßi summum verticem [p. 82 [98]] pertigerunt, pateant: boni consules quicquid hîc à me factum erit: si quid post hac te dignum nactus fuero, id tibi, & alijs omnibus tui similibus doctis & candidis lubens impertiar. Vale Tornaci prope lacum Lemanum kal[endis] Febr[uarii] anno Domini 1582.
Tibi addictiss[imus]
B[ernardvs] A Portv Aqvitanvs.Modern English Raw Translation
As I contemplated publishing this writing to the public, I long and greatly doubted under whose patronage I should place it, so as to win some favor and authority for it. For many consider all writings in this genre to be trifles and chimeras unless they are fortified by the testimony of some good and serious man. But you alone came to mind as one who embodies all these qualities, whose gravity, learning, piety, and that experience (in which you excel all others I know who are practiced in this part of philosophy) are well known. Therefore, I dedicate this small gift to you, seasoned with its own salt, so that you may have some token of my gratitude towards you: I only fear that you might be angry with me for seeming to reveal the sacred mysteries of our art to the public indiscriminately. But when you consider that everything is written by the author in such a way that it can remain hidden from the profane and be open only to you or others who have reached the summit of Parnassus, you will take kindly whatever is done here by me: if I come across anything worthy of you hereafter, I will gladly share it with you and all others like you who are learned and fair-minded. Farewell from Thonon near Lake Geneva on the first of February in the year of our Lord 1582.
Most devoted to you,
Bernard from the Port of Aquitaine.