Text.Figulus.1608-01.G2r/Translation

Preface to the sons and brethren of Hermetic doctrine.

Regarding the Divine-Magical-Celestial art of alchemy's revered antiquity, its untainted truth, and unique nobility, along with its remarkable superiority, combined with miraculous and unspeakable benefits, it is not my intention here to launch into an extensive discussion, Sons of the Hermetic doctrine, most chosen Brothers. This is because, in our era, there are numerous scholarly works lauding this most beneficial and pleasurable study readily available, to which I prefer to direct you for now.

Following the era of Hermes Trismegistus, this Art thrived among the Egyptians, Arabs, Greeks, and others, as evidenced by nearly six hundred philosophers' names known to us, who wrote about the Philosophical Stone and left the mysteries of the alchemical art to us, their descendants, though shrouded in endless parables and dark veils. In the previous age, our Monarch & Master of Mysteries, Philippus Theophrastus Paracelsus, flourished in Germany, planting, expanding, illuminating, and most adeptly refining this art and alchemical truth through writings more than divine (yet not for everyone, but solely for the sons of the doctrine who encountered them) scattered here and there after his death. He left behind a treatment for the most desperate illnesses, such as Leprosy, Gout, Paralysis, among other diseases considered incurable (by Galenic judgment), dire and longstanding wounds, completely eradicated, deserving of eternal remembrance, without even mentioning numerous proofs of metallic transmutation I now bypass in silence. Up to this point, we have had several disciples and devout followers of Theophrastus, who have cured many desperate diseases with notable success and praise, as countless examples throughout not only Germany but also Italy, France, Belgium, and England of those healed attest, and books on the expansion and authentic declaration of this most noble science are exceptionally great and almost innumerable. Among others, last year a certain Hermetic Philosopher of not only noble birth and celebrated name but also of the most ingenious talent emerged, a Pole by nationality, who, through the teaching and guidance of a certain Arab Teacher, reached such divine grace that he climbed the venerable Mountain of Grace, and indeed successfully reached its highest peaks: Having become a participant in the Golden Fleece in the Garden of the Hesperides and acquired the supreme treasure of the Blessed Philosophical Stone. This is clearly and undoubtedly known to us from his booklet published publicly, and can be easily inferred. This truly Golden Pamphlet is written with such clarity (as much as the Philosophic Oath of revelation allowed) and with such straightforward brevity and amazing skill, that it is said to deserve, in my opinion, not just to match but indeed to far surpass all philosophers' writings on Chemistry and the Philosophical Stone. Meanwhile, the same Pole's Philosophical Dialogue, witty and beneficial, was shared with me by a friend last year in Augusta, which it pleased to attach to these present pamphlets on the Philosophical Stone, and to adorn and release into the public light with this preceding Author's Praise, which Dialogue I wish to be faithfully recommended to you, as Sons of the doctrine, not to draw your noble minds away from the study previously dominated by Ethnic & Aristotelian Philosophy, but rather to offer a unique encouragement to visit the Holy Inner Sanctum of Truth & Hermetic Wisdom, indeed, of Celestial mysteries, and thus faithfully and to alert all Scholars, as well as the aforementioned Pole's countrymen, not to fear to adhere to and dwell upon these most commendable paths, of which action, as far as I know, you will never experience any regret. Farewell, and enjoy this Dialogue presented and published in Latin (and in German, translated by me) successfully in Christ. Farewell again. In haste in Noble Frankfurt, September 23, 1607.

V. V. V.  O. O. O.  Most studious

Benedictus Figulus, Utenhovius Francus, Crowned Poet Laureate