Text.Penot.1594-01.A4r/Translation
To the most serene and powerful hero, Frederick IV, sacred Roman Empire's standard-bearer and Elector, Count Palatine, Duke of Bavaria, &c., my most merciful lord,
Nothing is more excellent or more praiseworthy for a person than to earn the good will of humanity in any way possible, and to deepen the understanding that we have from nature through our own efforts. This is clearer, Most Serene Prince, than to need much argument. Considering this carefully from a young age, I have endeavored to serve the Republic to the best of my ability, looking to do so through my efforts. I have proven this in practice both by practicing medicine and by publishing my observations. Although I realize I have not reached the highest pinnacle of learning (for I am not so self-loving, or to say, deluded), I dare to profess that I have shown a not to be despised path for those studying medicine. Among other things, when I had intended to send this small book to press, I decided to dedicate it to you, right from the moment when your Highness extended your heroic hand to me, in the presence of the most noble Guillaume Ancel, our king's most prudent envoy at the Emperor's court. I know that greater things are usually offered to such a great prince, but since the variety of nature often tends to stimulate the mind, I am convinced that if, for the sake of curiosity, you deign to examine these more secretive aspects of physics, setting aside public cares, you will find not a few things that will both please and benefit. Many historians not only testify but also narrate and affirm that kings and princes once loved, cultivated, and practiced this art, considering it second only to the contemplation of divine mysteries as befitting a royal life; and not without merit. For it reveals so many of God's great works, unveils so many secrets of nature, and brings forth so many previously unknown preparations of drugs, herbs, animals, minerals, and nearly all things hidden and stored in nature's bosom, that those who would prefer it remain buried are ungrateful to mankind. Far be it from me to tempt you, most noble of princes, towards Chrysopoeia. That is the work of impostors, deserving of every punishment, wishing to publish that art for the sake of squeezing out money, which ought to protect its majesty with a venerable silence of mysterious admiration. I profess that alchemical art which teaches through the power of fire to dissolve heterogeneous bodies and coagulate homogeneous ones. To separate the pure from the impure and to add to the pure, which we can rightly include among the Acroamatic arts: as it makes the knowledge of medicine more exquisite. I do not doubt that if the true preparation of medicines for driving out diseases (as it rightly should) is to have its place, then many serious diseases, which today are deemed incurable by the common lot of doctors, will be eradicated. The condition of princes will also be much happier concerning the use of purified remedies, so that their bodies no longer provide lodging to impurities. They will also have safe and reliable remedies, which they can use fruitfully in times of necessity in fear of God. Many enemies of this science bark, ignorant of its principles and goals, caring more for their own purse than for the health of others. If any piety towards the sick still moves them, I ask that they set aside envy, laziness, and even the long-standing and most unfair hatred against Paracelsus and his followers, and explore the secrets of nature. Thus, with genuine and specific remedies for all diseases found and prepared, humanity will be better served, and true Medicine, created by God and entrusted to the diligence of doctors, will be restored to its former brilliance and lost glory.
Therefore, Most Valiant Prince, accept what we currently contribute to the use of the Republic according to our modest ability, and expect greater services and more splendid results from me in the future; may the Almighty God always increase your Highness and your most serene wife in greatness and goodness. From Frankenthal, the first day of January 1594.
Your Highness's Most Obedient,
Bernhardus G. Penotus from Port Sainte-Marie, Aquitaine, Physician of Frankenthal.
