Text.Crollius.1609-01.aa1r

Ulrich Bollinger

Poem for Oswald Crollius

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Source: Oswald Crollius, Basilica chymica, Frankfurt am Main: Claude de Marne and Johann Aubry (heirs), 1609, sig. ()3r–()4r [BP.Crollius.1609-01]

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[p. 1] Elegia

De vera antiqva philosophica medicina,

scripta à

M. Vlrico Bollingero,

ad

Dn. Osvaldvm Crollivm, Medico-chymicum felicißimum &c.

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[p. 3] De vera antiqva philosophica medicina Elegia,

Ad Osvaldvm Crollivm, Philosophum & Medicum peritißimum, suum amicum carißimum,

M. Vlrici Bollingeri, Poëta Coronati.

Non Oswalde meis est vis ea tanta Camœnis,
O Crolli medici gloria magna chori:
Quæ tenui dicat præconia maxima versu.
Veraq́ue quam miseris spem medicina ferat.
Hæc est quæ nostras extollit ad æthera mentes
Atque Creatorem prædicat esse Deum.
Quælibet herba probat quòd sit diuina potestas,
Quæ nobis rerum condidit omne genus.
Inspice quæ fæto claudat natura recessu
Pectore qui credis numina nulla tuo.
Hæc est, quæ nos esse Deos diuûmque nepotes
Admonet, in tenebris heu tamen illa jacet.
[p. 4] Hem, quia tanta tenet cæcas ignauia mentes,
Et nostros oculos fascinat umbra leuis.
Non hodiè superant operis vestigia prisci,
Nomina vix nostro tempore nota manent.
Quis Chymicam nouit, quæ muta cadauera rebus
Vulcani flammis demere ritè docet?
Hic labor, hoc opus est Vulcani discere vires,
Pharmaca qui morbo certa parare cupis.
Lemnius ille Deus totam tibi perficit artem,
Ne pigeat prinis applicuisse manus.
Balsama quæ triplici clauduntur in ordine rerum,
Hæc cape, si cordi est vera medela tibi.
Cum Plantis possunt Animalia ferre salutem,
Et tibi præstabit vis Mineralis opem.
Ne modò decipiat facies te mortua rerum,
Quære sub externis interiora tibi.
Mercurium dicunt, nec non Sal, Sulphur, in istis
Inuenies medica quicquid in arte valet.
Est major, mundusq́ue minor, qui fœdere certo,
Adspice, quam semper conuenienter eant?
Inseruit major per pharmaca grata minori,
Promit & è triplici classe salutis opem.
At genus humanum mediis in noctibus Orci
Tartarei, religant ferrea vincla Dei.
Cognita sunt paucis velati fœdera mundi,
Aptaq́ue quæ morbo sit Medicina suo.
[p. 5] Proh pudor: hoc etiam ratione carentia norunt,
Ipsa parant curam dum sibi bruta suam.
Quando feris tergo capris hæsêre sagittæ,
Dictamvm quærunt gramina nota sibi.
Nec suus accipitrem latuit medicaminis vsus,
Vnde potest oculos exacuisse suis.
Serpentina suis non est ignota colubris,
Cæcaque pungentes vrsa requirit apes.
At quibus est superi cœlestis imago Parentis,
Talia num voluit nos latuisse Deus?
Haud equidem credam, sed nos malus abstulit error,
Dum nimis ingratis spernimus ista modis.
Heu mihi quæ res est jam peruersissima mundi,
Adscribat Sathanæ munera sancta Dei.
O grauis impietas quæ sanctam respuit auram,
Quæ potiùs tenebras quàm bona lucis amat.
Ergò malus Dæmon nobis has contulit artes
Primæui notas quas habuêre Patres?
O fortunatos, quibus hæc arcana reuelat
Demissus cœlo spiritus ille Dei.
Nonne docentes Deo cunctis sua Nomina Plantis,
Et vires docuit primus Adamvs homo?
Vnde suæ virgæ poterat vim nosse Iacobvs,
Non benè naturæ si didicisset opus?
Et non coruptum quamuis jam lumine cassum
Iosephvs poterat corpus habere Patris?
[p. 6] Amramidæ Iehovas monstrauit nobile lignum,
Vnde fuit dulcis redditus humor aquæ.
Et ne conuiuis Colocynthis amara noceret,
Sapphatides farris puluere fecit opem.
Vlcere correpto Regi pous ille Sacerdos
Ficubus impositis Pharmaca grata tulit.
Et Salamo, physicum quem non ænigma fefellit,
Quæq́ue juuet docuit, quæq́ue sit herba nocens.
Talis erat Phariis etiam Ter maximus Hermes,
Talis Haly, & magnâ laude Geberus Arabs.
Talis & Orvs erat Grajæ de sanguine gentis,
Qui nobis rerum symbola sacra dedit.
Et Pelvsiacis qui sceptra gerebat in oris
Ætherios Chalides notus adusque Polos.
Adde Novæ Villæ Dominum, Latiumq́ue magistrum
Fatidicum nomen qui Morienis habet.
Nec minor arcanæ scrutator Lvllivs artis,
Riplævsq́ue senex, Rogerivsq́ue fuit.
Optimus Artephivs causas aperire latentes,
Et Trevisana dictus ab arce Comes.
Nex non occultas naturæ tradidit artes,
Qui Spanhemæa præsula in æde fuit.
Et Wimpenævs Bojæ lux maxima terræ,
Isacvs & Bataui gloria magna soli.
Diuinus tali est Paracelsus in arte Monarcha,
Secula cui similem nulla tulêre Virum.
[p. 7] Corndorfer Paracelsiacum se gaudet amicum,
Quem pariter Phædro, Laidecervsq́ue probant.
Sunt etiam tales nostro qui tempore viuunt
Hanc Sophiæ veram qui tenuêre Viam.
Bombastum sequitur felici tramite Vatem
Montanvs toto notus in orbe senex.
Winzivs, & noto Molleri nomine dictus,
Naturæ felix histor vterq́ue fuit.
Huic etiam studio Bergervs deditus vni
Artifici miscet Pharmaca grata manu.
Nec minus egregium sternit Vigellis honorem,
Pæoniâ sanans vulnera dira manu.
Et quem Mvffetvm, Dee, Tornervmq́ue celebrat,
Nunc etiam medicis Anglia clara suis.
Et variis aperit Portam Baptista medelis,
Et qui de Qvercv nobile nomen habet.
Maximus hâc etiam scrutator in arte Dryander
E patriâ Crolli natus & ipse tuâ.
Et peregrinator Scerbetivs alter Vlysses
Multa videns terræ mystica, multa maris.
Haffnia Cragæa genitum de stirpe celebrat,
Et se Gramano iactat Hiera suo.
Non Arragosivs, non hac rudis arte Platervs
Consulit ægrotis qui Basilæa tuis.
Et cum Zwingero patriâ Gesnervs eâdem
Editur, eximios scripsit vterq́ue libros.
[p. 8] Adde quibus duri Crasis & mixtura Sederi
Egregium nomen fratribus esse dedit.
Sal Penotvs habet, quod languida corpora nullo
Corrumpi moro vi medicante sinit.
Nonne Severinvm Petrvm sua Dania laudat?
Hvservmq́ue vehit Gens Vbiana suum?
Linccivs huic adjutor adest, & fidus Achates,
Bombasti vt vivant gloria, fama, libri.
Consimili studio totum Dornævs in orben
Emisit Chymicis scripta probata viris.
Sic & Anhaltinis clarus Baldvinvs in oris,
Doctrinæ fautor, Rex Paracelse, tuæ.
Sic vos Hassiacis Wolphii succurritis aulis
Consilio medico, Pæoniâq́ue manu.
Hartmannvm tibi quid referam? quem Phœbus & omnis
Aönidum & Charitum turba sacrata stupent?
Hic decus & splendor, Medicorum & gloria, quos hæc
Tempore postremo secula docta ferunt.
Quid tibi Mosanvm dicam? qui doctus in arte
Spagyricâ Hassiaci est gloria sola soli.
Adde Bodenstenivm celebris quem fama notauit,
Atque Andernaco laus sua digna manet.
Nec minus æterno Dariotvs nomine dignus
Ob Chymicas artes florida serta gerit.
Consulit Hornervs patriæ, si fortè laborat,
Avreolvm quoniam consulit ille suum.
[p. 9] Doctus & Hillervs varios depellere morbos
Nouit, & Onoldæ pharmaca sana dedit.
Cretschmervs terræ doctus rimare fodinas,
Quâ lateant venis plena metalla suis.
Et caros Hessvs non vltimus inter amicos
Est equidem Medico dignus & ille choro.
Ille prius rigidi perplexa volumina juris,
Nunc opus euoluit, Rex Paracelse, tuum:
Consulit in medium tua si res ægra laborat,
Aut grauis inuasit si tua membra lues.
Hunc sequitur Maivs felici sydere natus,
Qui Paracelsiacos vertit vbique libros:
Maivs Apollineo procedit ab ordine doctus,
Vallis præfectus nunc Ioachime tuæ.
Nec Rvlande meo tu versu indictus abibis,
Te meritò nostri Cæsaris aula colit.
Nec vos transierim Musis & carmine nsotro,
Naturæ clausas qui cecinistis opes.
Toxites noster, noster Svchten Alexis,
Hic est ingenio clarus & ille suo.
Nunc ad te redeo Crolli, quem magnus Apollo
Insignem medicum Mercuriusq́ue dedit.
Sunt tibi doctrinæ mysteria nota vetustæ:
Mercvrivm vidi, Sal, Olevmq́ue tuum.
Quid Phoebvs possit, nec non Cyllenivs Ales,
Nosti, quid possit Lemnivs ille Devs.
[p. 10] Inde tibi triplicis paret concordia mundi,
Illa vetus rerum quâ medicina latet.
Non tamen hoc tam grande cupis celare talentum,
Vt quos inuidiæ liuor amarus habet.
Multa etenim præsens poterit monstrare libellus,
Communem reliquis quem sinis esse viris.
Tu quoque quæ magno tibi cum sudore parasti
Per Latias currens Franciacasq́ue plagas,
Ad commune bonum claras emittis in auras
Hactenus arcano pharmaca clausa sinu.
Hinc tibi posteritas meritò persoluere grates
Debebit, scriptis doctior illa tuis.
Macte tuo dono, reliquos contemne profanos,
In cœlo restant præmia magna tibi.

Apparatus

Marginalia

Modern English Raw Translation

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Generated by ChatGPT on 8 September 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.

Elegy on the True Ancient Philosophical Medicine

Written by Ulrich Bollinger

Addressed to Oswald Crollius, Most Fortunate Physician and Alchemist

To Oswald Crollius, Philosopher and Most Skilled Physician, My Dearest Friend, From Ulrich Bollinger, Crowned Poet

Oswald, my poetic talent is not so great that it could sing adequately about the grand things you deserve, O great Crollius, glory of the medical ranks. How could I describe with simple verses the true medicine that brings hope to the suffering? This is the medicine that lifts our minds to the heavens and proclaims the Creator as God. Every herb proves the divine power of the One who created all kinds of things for us. Look into nature's secrets, hidden deep inside, if you doubt that there are any divine beings. This is the knowledge that reminds us we are gods and descendants of the divine. Yet, alas, it lies in the darkness.

How is it that such great ignorance grips blind minds, and a mere shadow deceives our eyes? The works of the ancients no longer survive, and their names are barely known in our time. Who now understands alchemy, the art that teaches how to remove the mute corpses of substances with Vulcan's flames? This is the work, this is the toil, to learn Vulcan's powers if you desire to prepare certain remedies for disease. This god (Vulcan) completes the whole art for you, so do not hesitate to lay your hands upon it first. Take the balms concealed within the threefold order of things if true healing is your desire.

With plants, animals can bring health, and the power of minerals will provide you aid. Do not be deceived by the dead appearance of things—seek the inner essence beneath the external. In these things, you will find Mercury, Salt, and Sulphur, and everything in the medicinal art that has value. The macrocosm and microcosm, by their sure bond, always go together in harmony. The greater world inserts itself into the lesser through its beneficial remedies and provides aid from the threefold realm.

Yet, mankind is bound in the very middle of Tartarus' dark night, chained by the iron bonds of God. Only a few know the hidden laws of the world and the medicine appropriate for each disease. Shame on us! Even creatures without reason know this, for they prepare their own cures. When arrows pierce the backs of wild goats, they seek out the well-known herb, dittany. The hawk is not ignorant of the remedy that sharpens its eyes. Serpents are familiar with their own cure, and blind bears seek out the stinging bees.

And for us, who bear the celestial image of the heavenly Parent, would God have wanted these things to remain hidden from us? I do not believe so. Instead, an evil error has taken these things from us, as we foolishly despise them. Alas, how twisted the world has become, assigning Satan the holy gifts of God! What grave impiety rejects the sacred breath and loves the darkness more than the light! Did an evil demon teach us these arts known to our ancient Fathers?

O fortunate ones, to whom the divine spirit of God reveals these mysteries from heaven! Did not God Himself teach the first man, Adam, the names and powers of all plants? How else could Jacob have known the power of his rod unless he had learned the work of nature? And was not the body of Joseph, although his eyes had grown dim, preserved from corruption?

The descendants of Amram were shown the noble tree by Jehovah, which made the bitter waters sweet. When a poisonous gourd threatened the feast, the Sapphathite provided aid with flour. When a king was struck with an ulcer, the priest applied figs as a healing remedy. Solomon, the wise, was not deceived by enigmas, and he knew which herbs helped and which harmed.

Such was the wisdom of thrice-great Hermes of Egypt, such was Haly, and the greatly praised Arab Geber. Such was Orus, born of Greek blood, who gave us the sacred symbols of things. And the one who wielded the scepter in Pelusiac lands, known as Chalides to the ethereal poles. Add to them the Lord of New Villa, the Latin Master, who goes by the prophetic name Morienus. No less was the scrutineer of the hidden art, Lullius, the old Ripley, and the so-called Roger. The best was Artephius, who revealed hidden causes, and the Count of Trevisan, named for his fortress.

Nor should we forget the one who held a bishopric in Spanheim, who passed down the occult arts of nature. Also, Johann Albrecht (Wimpinaeus), the great light of Bavaria, and Isaac Hollandus, the great glory of Batavia. Paracelsus, divine monarch in this art, whom no age has produced an equal.

Bartholomäus Korndörffer, who rejoices in his friendship with Paracelsus, is equally esteemed by Georg Fedro and Antonius Layendecker. Even today, there are those who live who follow this true path of wisdom. Johannes Montanus, the old man known throughout the world, follows the footsteps of Paracelsus. Winzius, and the one known by the famous name Mollerus, both successful historians of nature. Berger, devoted to this one study, skillfully mixes pleasing remedies by hand. No less is the great honor given to Valentin Weigel, who heals dreadful wounds with his skilled hand.

What more can I say of Thomas Moffett, John Dee, or Giambattista della Porta? Even England, famous for its doctors, celebrates these names. Giambattista della Porta reveals many remedies, as does Joseph Duchesne, whose name is known for his work with oak.

Giambattista della Porta, the great investigator of this art, delves into remedies, and Joseph Duchesne, whose name is noble for his knowledge of the oak, reveals much as well. The greatest of all in this art is Johannes Dryander, born in your own land, Crollius. And like another Ulysses, the great traveler Johannes Scerbetius has seen the mystical secrets of many lands and seas. Haffnia celebrates Johannes Gramann, born from Crag’s noble lineage, and Guillaume Arragos stands famous for this healing art. No stranger to this knowledge is Felix Plater, who consults for the sick in Basel. Along with Theodor Zwinger, both wrote excellent books from the same fatherland.

Add to these the fame that brothers Samuel Siderocrates earned through their studies of harsh mixtures and their illustrious name. Bernard Gilles Penot possesses the Salt that ensures weak bodies are not easily corrupted by decay. Does not Denmark praise its own Petrus Severinus? Does not the Ubii people exalt their own Johann Huser? Paul Linck is his devoted helper and faithful companion, ensuring that Paracelsus' glory, fame, and works endure.

With similar zeal, Gerhard Dorn sent his esteemed writings around the world, admired by chemists everywhere. Likewise, Johannes Hartmann is famous in the lands of Anhalt, a supporter of your doctrine, King Paracelsus. In the courts of Hesse, Johann Winter von Andernach and Jacob Mosanus provide medical counsel and healing hands. Shall I now speak of Johann Hörner, who astonishes Apollo and the sacred assembly of the Muses? He is the splendor and glory of physicians in these latter days.

And what of Adam von Bodenstein, a brilliant mind in the spagyric art and the only glory of Hesse? Add to this Claude Dariot, who earned his lasting fame through his chemical arts. The reputation of Johann Hiller, though known for studying rigorous law, is no less celebrated for his work on Paracelsus' teachings. His diligent work unfolds whenever a serious illness strikes or a severe affliction invades the body.

Nicolaus Maius, born under a fortunate star, follows Paracelsus' path, translating his works everywhere. Maius, educated in the discipline of Apollo, is now the overseer of Joachimsthal. And you, Martin Ruland, shall not go unmentioned in my verses. The court of Caesar rightly honors you. Nor shall I overlook those who, through poetry and song, revealed the hidden powers of nature—Michael Toxites, and Alexander von Suchten, both of whom are bright stars of intellect.

Now I return to you, Crollius, whom great Apollo and Mercury have given as a distinguished physician. You know the mysteries of ancient doctrine: I have seen your Mercury, Salt, and Oil. You understand what Apollo and Mercury, the messenger of Cyllene, can do, and you know the power of the god Vulcan. From this knowledge, the concord of the threefold world is revealed to you, where the ancient medicine of things is hidden.

Yet, you do not wish to hide such a grand talent, as those consumed with the bitter envy of others do. Much can be demonstrated in this present little book, which you leave for the benefit of all people. You, who have traveled through the Latin and Franconian regions, have brought the remedies you prepared with great labor into the clear air for the common good, releasing the medicines once sealed in your secret store. For this, future generations, enriched by your writings, will surely owe you great thanks. May you continue in your noble gift and scorn the profane critics, for great rewards await you in heaven.