Text.Penot.1595-01.!3r/Translation

To the most illustrious and mighty Prince, Lord Ernest Frederick, Margrave of Baden and Hochberg, Landgrave of Sausenberg, Lord of Rötteln and Badenweiler, my most gracious master,

It is a commendable and excellent endeavor (most illustrious Prince and bravest Hero) to prioritize nothing higher and more precious than to consult for posterity by whatever means possible. Therefore, I would never have hesitated even slightly in the publication of this little book of mine, had I not long experienced that those who dare to write in this genre are exposed to all kinds of mockery (and, unfortunately, sometimes even to injustices), because it is deeply ingrained in the minds of many that few among the more secretive students of physics, which we call Alchemy, have achieved anything praiseworthy. Instead, they are thought to propose all things as vain, fabricated, and false, with the most cunning of frauds, to extort money from good men. And indeed, I would readily admit that this age is full of impostors who spare neither princes nor others easily: but where they condemn the good with the bad indiscriminately, I seek judgment: since they cannot discern true knowledge from false. This is usually handled by sophists, who promise golden mountains; those who practice it either teach about the consideration of metals or the preparation of medicines. I openly confess to being among their number. I have left no stone unturned so that this divine science might come to light for the great benefit of many. Nor have I ever looked so much to Chrysopoeia as to the health of the human body. For the powder or elixir of the philosophers, due to the abundance of its balanced heat, cures all diseases, whether taken in the form of powder or oil, although the oil form is superior. When taken orally, it is more easily digested and assimilated, and converted into chyle or blood. It penetrates more easily and aids the part when applied to a wound or ulcer than if applied in the consistency of powder. However, it is to be understood that it is medicinal, which should be combined and incorporated with medicines suitable for the diseases we wish to treat. It heals gout, removes fevers. It cures cancer, lupus, ancient, as in old wounds. Taken orally, it breaks down stones, purifies the stomach. It cools the liver, removes pleurisy. It restores the lung. It preserves youth and removes old age. It increases natural heat, by which increase it seems an old man returns to youthful years. It is therefore the true fountain of youth for keeping a person healthy for the worship of God until the time prescribed for each to pay the debt to nature to which we are liable. Those are greatly mistaken who think that we pursue this art only for the sake of becoming rich, whose end and purpose is rather to maintain health. Once the sublime intellects of philosophers and the noble minds of kings were most studiously occupied with the investigation of the most excellent secrets of philosophy and natural mysteries, which were a protection to their entire people in times of war and peace. This is truly the guide to philosophizing, in which one may explore the secrets of things and easily embrace the arcane. This is for the good, the wise, the learned men. This is for princes, for kings, and for emperors, a worthy exercise and an honorable pleasure, to be sought above all others. Therefore, I have not hesitated to dedicate various published pamphlets to great princes, as last year, to the most serene Elector Palatine and the most illustrious Prince Christian of Anhalt, two works, one on the true preparation and use of chemical medicines, the other on Saltpeter and the virtues of drinkable gold, which treatises were very graciously received by such great princes, as the facts themselves show. Therefore, when I had decided to make these no less useful treatises public, you especially, most valiant of princes, who not only serve Mars but also Minerva, as a kind of ambidextrous Hercules, promoting the study of the finest arts with all your might, came to mind. Among these, Alchemy should not hold the last place. These booklets, which explain the principal parts of such a great science, I am fully convinced will not be unwelcome to Your Highness. Therefore, I have deemed it proper to dedicate them to you (with all due reverence), under whose patronage they will receive protection: And they will be illuminated by the splendor of such a great name: For it is an old saying that many things are considered precious because they are dedicated to temples.

Farewell, most illustrious of princes, and manage affairs with all your heart. May God Almighty keep Your Highness and your spouse flourishing for as long as possible for the glory of His name.

Your Highness's Most Obedient,

Bernard G. Penotus from Port Saint Marie of Aquitaine, Lord Physician of Frankenthal.