Text.Duclo.1592-02.A2r

Gaston Duclo

Dedicatory Letter to Jacques de La Fin

Nevers, 1 September 1592

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Source: Gaston Duclo, De triplici praeparatione argenti et auri, Nevers: Pierre Roussin, 1592, sig. A2r–A2v [BP.Duclo.1592-02] [see also BP.Duclo.1602-02]

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Summary: This text is a dedication from Gaston Dulco to Jacques de La Fin, a nobleman distinguished by his contributions both in warfare and in patronage of the arts and sciences, particularly in alchemy. Dulco expresses deep admiration for Jacques, acknowledging his noble lineage, military valor, and his unwavering support for scholars and the pursuit of knowledge, especially in the transformation of metals. Despite Jacques' involvement in significant military engagements, such as the defense against Spanish forces at Lagniaco, his interest in and support for alchemical studies have remained a notable aspect of his character. Dulco laments the numerous failed attempts and false promises experienced by Jacques in his quest for alchemical success, funded at great personal expense. However, Dulco remains hopeful, suggesting that perseverance through trials often leads to success. He offers to share his recent findings with Jacques, dedicating his work to him with the promise of demonstrating practical applications of gold preparation. The letter, dating from September 1, 1594, in Nevers, reflects the Renaissance era's blend of martial prowess, noble patronage, and the fervent quest for scientific and alchemical knowledge. (generated by ChatGPT)

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[p. 217] Illvstri et generosissimo atqve splendidissimo D[omino] Iacobo Laffinio, Regij ordinis equiti Aurato, Baroni d’Aubusson, Gaston Dvlco Salvtem.

Cogitanti mihi, cui potissimum hos qualescunque labores meos dicarem, de triplici argenti & auri præparatione, tu mihi vnus omnium occurristi, qui hoc honore verè sis dignus. Nam [p. 218] tametsi Illustri genere natus, inter arma educatus, pro regij status defensione, huiusq́ue Galliæ nostræ, omniumq́ue salute viriliter & strenuè semper te gesseris, atque impetum aciei Hispaniæ inimicæ Lagniaco obsesso, cui à Rege præfectus eras, superioribus his annis fortiter sustinueris: nihilominus magno semper in honore apud te fuere literarum studiosi, & arcanorum naturæ perscrutatores acerrimi, præsertim in Argyropœia & Chrysopœia. Nec laboribus & sumptibus pepercisti vt ab his, qui callere artem hanc profitebantur, aliquid sæpius tentatum fuerit: scio multos a- [p. 219] pud te multis annis, tuis multisq́ue sumptibus plurima expertos fuisse, paucos viros probos, plures, qui montes aureos pollicerentur, nihil præstitisse. Quod plærunque apud me condolui. Sed quoniam post multos perpessos labores, multasq́ue impensas factas plærunque prosperum aliquid solet occurrere, te eorum, quæ paucis ab hinc diebus in manus meas inciderunt, facere participem, idq́ue etiam, ex promisso, mearum esse partium existimaui, eaq́ue prælo commisso nomini tuo dicare. Quæ si tibi grata & accepta intellexero, demonstrare aliquando re ipsa conabor, saltem duas priores [p. 221] auri præparationes. Quæ licet à nobis apertissime descriptæ videantur, tamen in opere practico vix ad exitum perducentur, nisi ab eo, qui idem operi conficiendo adfuerit. Bene Vale, & vt soles nos amare, ama. Niuernis Calendis Septembr[is]. 1594.

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Generated by ChatGPT on 26 February 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.

To the illustrious, most noble, and splendid Lord Jacques de La Fin, Knight of the Royal Order of the Golden Spur, Baron of Aubusson, Gaston Dulco sends greetings. As I pondered to whom I might dedicate these modest efforts of mine, concerning the triple preparation of silver and gold, you alone came to mind as truly worthy of this honor. For although you were born of a noble family and raised among arms, valiantly and vigorously defending the cause of the king's realm and the safety of our France and all its people, and although you bravely withstood the assault of the enemy Spanish forces at the siege of Lagniaco, where you were appointed by the King in these past years, you have always held in great esteem those devoted to the study of letters and the keen investigation of nature's secrets, especially in the arts of silver and gold making. Nor have you spared any effort or expense to attempt something often from those who professed to be skilled in this art: I know that many over many years, at great expense to you, have tried much, few honest men among them, and more who promised mountains of gold, have delivered nothing. This I have often lamented with you. But since after enduring many labors and incurring great expenses, something prosperous usually emerges, I thought it part of my duty to make you a participant in those things which have recently come into my hands, and also, as promised, to dedicate them to your name by publishing them. If I find they are pleasing and acceptable to you, I will try to demonstrate in reality at least the first two preparations of gold. Although they seem to be very clearly described by us, they will hardly be brought to completion in practical work unless by someone who has been present at the work itself. Farewell, and continue to love us as you do. From Nevers, the 1st of September, 1594.