Authors/Gaston Duclo

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 April 1590, Gaston Duclo to Louis de Gonzague, Duke of Nevers; Latin

Source: Gaston Duclo, Apologia argyropoeiae et chrysopoeiae, Nevers: Pierre Roussin, 1592, sig. A2r–B3v = pag. 3–14 [BP.Duclo.1590-01]

Duclo emphasizes the importance of obedience from the people to their Prince as the foundation of a stable and enduring society. He commends the Duke for his fervent defense of the Catholic faith, which has flourished throughout his province, and highlights the Duke's benevolence towards his people, particularly in Nevers. Duclo details the Duke's contributions, including appointing just magistrates, advocating for the relief of burdensome taxes, and curbing the excesses of soldiers, which have brought peace and prosperity to the region, contrasting sharply with the turmoil experienced elsewhere in France during these troubled times.
Duclo recounts the Duke's personal intervention after the death of King Henry IV of France, which brought stability and security back to the province, sparing it from the widespread violence and lawlessness that plagued other areas. He praises the Duke's paternal benevolence, reflected in various civic improvements and the promotion of education and the arts, such as the establishment of a Jesuit college and the exemption of the city from certain taxes, which has led to a thriving community of artisans and craftsmen. Duclo also mentions the Duke's efforts to make the city more attractive for building and habitation by addressing feudal burdens.
Despite these vast contributions, Duclo states that the Duke asks for nothing in return but the rightful obedience and unanimous support of his people. Duclo personally commits to fulfilling the Duke's commands and expresses his intention to dedicate his work on alchemy (Argyropoeia and Chrysopoeia) to the Duke, defending the validity of the art against critics like Thomas Erastus and emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge over material gain.