Authors/Adam von Bodenstein

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedication, 10 October 1556, Adam von Bodenstein to Johann Christoph vom Grüth, Abt von Muri; German (Source: BP.Bod.1557-01)

from: Adam von Bodenstein, Wie sich meniglich vor dem Cyperlin Podagra genennet waffnen solle, 1557

As is customary among scholars, Bodenstein has chosen an esteemed and wise figure to whom he can present his work for protection and acceptance. He admires the Abbot's love for the arts, gardens, distillation, and the orderliness of his monastery. Impressed by the Abbot's virtues, Bodenstein sends his book to him, hoping that it will be received with humility and grace. He also prays that if anyone derides the book out of envy, they will remember his goodwill as the sender rather than the smallness of the book. Lastly, Bodenstein promises to continue serving the Abbot and Jesus Christ.

• Preface, no date (1556), Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader; German (Source: BP.Bod.1557-01)

from: Adam von Bodenstein, Wie sich meniglich vor dem Cyperlin Podagra genennet waffnen solle, 1557

Bodenstein acknowledges that, like a craftsman constructing a building on a public street, his work will not please everyone and will face criticism. He draws a parallel to three drinking companions who cannot agree on their choice of wine, emphasizing that different people have different preferences. The author discusses his book, specifically focused on twelve plants associated with the zodiac signs. Bodenstein his willingness to learn from those with more knowledge and expresses his belief in the influence of celestial bodies on plants and humans. Despite knowing that this influence is not essential but can occur, he apologizes for not catering to everyone's opinions and express their dedication to understanding and describing the nature of these twelve plants. He also mentions the possibility of providing further information on other plants in the future if it proves beneficial to the reader.

• Postface, no date (1556), Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader; German (Source: BP.Bod.1557-01)

from: Adam von Bodenstein, Wie sich meniglich vor dem Cyperlin Podagra genennet waffnen solle, 1557

Bodenstein concludes his work on the twelve signatory herbs, asking for understanding due to the brevity of his descriptions. He mentions that the pursuit of these herbs was an expensive and challenging task and expresses frustration over people who, with deceptive intentions, tried to exploit his knowledge. Despite these issues, he completed the work due to his commitment to some honorable people. Towards the end, a root-digger presents him a beautiful plant from the mountains, which Bodenstein struggles to name. A theologian suggests it might be Asterion, Solsequium, or Lunaria, plants believed to have alchemical properties. Bodenstein expresses skepticism towards this claim, mentioning his past experiences with Lunaria. He has seen Lunaria in different places and conditions but denies any metallic properties in it. He concludes, refusing to further engage with people trying to exploit his knowledge.

• Dedication, 1 March 1557, Adam von Bodenstein to Hans Heinrich vom Rhein; German (Source: BP.Bod.1557-02)

from: Adam von Bodenstein, Weyssagung Sibylle Tyburtine, 1557

Bodenstein expresses gratitude for the good deeds of Heinrich and his mother, Anna Martroffin, who he remembers fondly. Bodenstein indicates that he has been asked to transfer certain practices, which he assumes pertains to the study of Mathematics, a subject in which Heinrich appears to have an interest. Despite his busy work schedule, Bodenstein hopes that his efforts will be well-received by Heinrich, as before. (generated by Chat-GPT)

• Dedication, 7 May 1559, Adam von Bodenstein to Anton Fugger, Johann Jacob Fugger, Georg Fugger and Ulrich Fugger; Latin (Source: BP.Bod.1559-03)

from: Adam von Bodenstein, Isagoge in excellentissimi Philosophi Arnoldi de Villa Nova, Rosarium Chymicum, 1559

Bodenstein reflects on his skepticism towards alchemy and the transmutation of metals. He expresses his initial doubts and criticisms of alchemists, considering the art to be deceitful and contradictory. However, his perspective begins to change after discussions with knowledgeable individuals who argue for the possibility of alchemical transformations. Bodenstein contemplates the relationship between nature and art, noting that humans can aid or hinder natural processes in various domains. He proposes that metals, like other natural substances, can be perfected and transformed through the imitation and assistance of nature. By observing and imitating the natural processes involved in the formation of metals, he suggests that skilled artisans may be able to produce more perfect metals. Bodenstein draws parallels to other domains where humans assist and enhance natural processes, such as agriculture and food production. He argues that if humans can aid in the growth and development of other natural entities, it should be possible to do the same with metals. Bodenstein discusses various topics related to alchemy and the transformation of materials. He mentions examples of natural phenomena, such as chicks hatching from eggs and worms growing from horse hairs and also explores the idea of transforming metals and the existence of the Philosopher's Stone. Bodenstein describes encountering an old man who demonstrates the art of transforming metals and teaches him about the subject. Bodenstein emphasizes the need for knowledge, patience, and piety in pursuing alchemy.

• Dedication, 1 February 1560, Adam von Bodenstein to Duke and Magistrate of Venice; Latin (Source: BP039)

from: Paracelsus, Libri quatuor De uita longa, 1560

• Dedication, 25 January 1561, Adam von Bodenstein to Wilhelm Böcklin von Böcklinsau; Latin (Source: BP042)

• Dedication, 1 March 1564, Adam von Bodenstein to Johann Rudolf Stoer von Stoerenberg; German (Source: BP060)

• Preface, no date (1566), Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader; Latin (Source: BP074)

• Dedication, 1 March 1566, Adam von Bodenstein to Julius Graf von Salm; Latin (Source: BP074)

• Dedication, 28 October 1567, Adam von Bodenstein to Adolf Wilhelm von Dörnberg; German (Source: BP090)

• Preface, 28 October 1567, Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader; German (Source: BP095)

• Preface, 9 February 1568, Adam von Bodenstein to the Reader; German (Source: BP098)

• Dedication, 16 November 1568, Adam von Bodenstein to Thomas Sunner; Latin (Source: BP104)

• Dedication, 2 December 1571, Adam von Bodenstein to Mayor and City Council of Basel; German (Source: BP136)

• Dedication, no date (1576-09-04), Adam von Bodenstein to Citizens and City Council of Basel; German (Source: BP.Bod.1577-01)

Poems

• Poem, no date (1576), [by Adam von Bodenstein?]; German (Source: BP.Bod.1577-01)