Archiv/Paratexts

From Theatrum Paracelsicum


Anonymous

The preface addresses the reader regarding the writings of Theophrastus Paracelsus, who was admired by many for his intellect despite his simple demeanor. The author is publishing previously unreleased work by Paracelsus, including his commentary on Hippocrates' Aphorisms and treatises on corals, St. John's Wort, and water pepper. Rather than praising these works themselves, the author urges readers to form their own opinions, as they are self-evidently useful and good. The author criticizes those who unfairly mock or belittle Paracelsus' work out of jealousy, and warns against pseudodisciples who claim to follow Paracelsus but fail to truly understand or utilize his teachings, instead attacking those who disagree. The author reminds readers that greatness should be imitated in virtue, not vice, and such pseudodisciples should prove their understanding through action, not just sharp writing. Lastly, the author asks for the reader's understanding for any errors in the text, which stem from limitations in the original copy used for this publication, not from negligence or carelessness.

The text suggests that a person, believing themselves to be knowledgeable, hastily interpreted some magical figures. However, as understanding magical art requires more than a cursory interpretation, their efforts were deemed fundamentally useless, despite initial positive reception.

The reader is informed that this edition of the "Archidoxes" books by the renowned physician and philosopher Theophrastus Paracelsus is more accurate than prior versions, as it is derived directly from the author's original handwriting. In addition, a previously unpublished treatise on minerals, from Paracelsus' book on Natural Things, has been included. Despite earlier editions of the works on vitriol and sulfur being flawed, this version aims to present them in their entirety as originally intended by the author. The goal is to disseminate Paracelsus' works widely, enlightening many with his revelations about nature, under the conviction that knowledge kept hidden is of no benefit to anyone.

The reader is informed that the book has been preserved in its original, simple German language without any alterations or improvements. This is to illustrate the faithfulness of its intent and to highlight the linguistic evolution over time. The book, deemed a divine gift, was intended for devout individuals rather than the godless. Therefore, it is primarily intended to benefit pious Christians.

The poem expresses the author's stance on the value of practical experience over theoretical learning. The author questions if anyone wonders why they write about unfamiliar matters that even learned people do not know, despite their extensive studies in various renowned universities. These scholars have spent much time and money on education, yet their extensive reading doesn't equate to understanding if they fail to grasp the essence of their learning. Notable figures like Plato and Aristotle didn't gain their wisdom solely from reading. Therefore, reading and traveling are of little use without hands-on practice. The author emphasizes that they know their craft through practice, as direct experience often reveals the truth where written words may deceive. Much like a handpost that points the way without traversing it, writings can guide towards many arts, but true understanding comes from hands-on practice. The author finishes by saying they are unaffected by envy, for they have achieved through their work what hundreds could not achieve through reading.

The texts provided are a collection of epitaphs written by the friends of Theophrastus Paracelsus, as a testament to their piety and goodwill towards him. 1. The first epitaph states that under a small mound rests Theophrastus, a man of great renown. He was a prolific healer who could treat various diseases and even alleviated leprosy through his art. He cured incurable dropsy but ultimately succumbed to the inexorable death. The reader is asked to say the final words. 2. The second epitaph affirms that Theophrastus's body rests in an urn, and that even the famed Aristotle was not his equal. 3. The third epitaph remembers Theophrastus as a Swiss physician of unmatched medical skill, integrity, and charity towards the needy. It mentions his age at death but does not specify it. 4. The fourth epitaph commemorates Theophrastus as the only physician who could cure gout, leprosy, dropsy, and humoral imbalances. 5. The fifth epitaph suggests that readers should not be surprised that even people like Theophrastus, who seemed worthy of immortality and had few equals in medical arts, are mortal. Nonetheless, he will be immortal in the eyes of God. 6. The sixth epitaph portrays Theophrastus as a distinguished physician, level-headed in all fortunes, devoted to fairness, kindness to the poor, and religious. His death is mourned by all good people. 7. The final epitaph is for Theophrastus, a highly skilled physician whose death robbed the world of a man of complete learning, who saved many who were on the brink of death. The epitaph is placed by N. Setznagel, a citizen of Salzburg, out of piety. It also mentions his lifespan and death but does not specify them.


Albrecht, Johann (Wimpinaeus)

Ambrosius, Marcus

Aretius, Benedictus

Berg, Adam

Birckmann, Theodor

Bodenstein, Adam von

Brentz, Andreas

Dorn, Gerhard

Dorn acknowledges his debt of learning to Bodenstein and to their common mentor, Theophrastus Paracelsus. The letter laments the ungratefulness and shortsightedness of their contemporaries, especially university scholars, who deride Paracelsus for his unconventional writing style and ideas. Dorn champions Paracelsus's contributions to medicine, physics, and metaphysics and asserts that truth will eventually triumph. In conclusion, he urges Bodenstein to continue advocating for Paracelsus's work and ideals, expressing faith in Bodenstein's commitment to the cause.

Dorn laments that many who are ignorant of Paracelsus's teachings disgrace him, even though Paracelsus surpassed other physicians in both experience and skill. These critics, Dorn says, fail to acknowledge their own ignorance while Paracelsus strived to educate and elevate those skilled in their art. Dorn encourages the learned to admire Paracelsus's achievements rather than condemn him. He criticizes those who deride the advancements made by Paracelsus and others in the medical arts, and suggests that this is due to envy and a lack of understanding. Dorn also critiques those who misappropriate the teachings of Paracelsus for their own gain, using his advanced knowledge without understanding it, and discarding those who have truly studied and practiced under his guidance. He calls on his peers to resist such behavior, defend the legacy of Paracelsus, and remain committed to his teachings, despite the slander and misinterpretation that followed his death. Finally, Dorn signs off by reminding his peers of their duty to their teacher, Theophrastus Paracelsus, and the need to continue his work and preserve his legacy.

Dorn urges the reader to read and re-read the book carefully, assuring that if done correctly, he can uncover the beautiful secrets of the art. Dorn mentions the value of practical application over theory, highlighting his own experiences of learning more from mistakes and failures than from passive reading. He also cautions the reader about the potential pitfalls of overreaching, warning against using alchemy for the transformation of common metals.

Erasmus von Rotterdam

Erastus, Thomas

Everaerts, Martinus

Fedro, Georg

Figulus, Benedictus

Finck, Rupertus

Flöter, Balthasar

Foillet, Jacques

Forberger, Georg

Gennep, Jaspar von

Gohory, Jacques

Gutteter, Achatius

H.L.L.

Hassard, Pierre

Hermanni, Philippus

Hester, John

Hippodamus, Johannes

Huser, Johann

Huser, Johann (Erben)

Karl, Ägidius

Kieser, Franz

Kilian, Hans

Klebitz, Wilhelm

M.G.V.M.M.

Macer, Johannes Gregorius

Manlius, Christoph

Morbach, Achatius

Morel, Pierre

Morsius, Joachim

Nollius, Henricus

Olivier, Antoine

Palthenius, Zacharias

Paracelsus

Pauwels, Jan

Perna, Pietro

Pinaut, Gilles

Pratensis, Johannes

Schöneich, Peter

Schröter, Adam

Scultetus, Bartholomaeus

Stemler, Levinus

Suchten, Alexander von

Tatius, Marcus

Thalhauser, Wolfgang

Thölde, Johann

  • Dedication, 4 January 1602, Johann Thölde to Joachim Friedrich Kurfürst von Brandenburg and Katharina Markgräfin von Brandenburg; German

Thurneisser, Leonhard

Toxites, Michael

Walch, Johannes

Zetzner, Lazarus

Zimmermann, Samuel