Authors/Benedictus Figulus

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedication, no date (1600), Benedictus Figulus to Georg Amwald; Latin (Source: BP.Figulus.1600-01)

from: Benedictus Figulus, Carmen Heroicum Insignia Megalandri Lutheri complectens, Stuttgart: Marx Fürster, 1600

• Dedication, 3 October 1607, Benedictus Figulus to Kaiser Rudolf II.; German (Source: BP280)

• Dedication, 26 December 1607, Benedictus Figulus to Michael Daniel Pleickhard genannt Poland, Balthasar Keybe and Johann Enoch Maier; German (Source: BP282)

from: Pandora magnalium naturalium aurea et benedicta, ed. Benedictus Figulus, Straßburg: Lazarus Zetzner, 1608

The dedication is a homage to the ancient wisdom of philosophers and the importance of understanding the divine truth. Figulus laments the misinterpretation and misuse of ancient knowledge by contemporary society, emphasizing the significance of living in harmony with divine laws. He contrasts the eternal wisdom of God with the fleeting knowledge of the world, highlighting the importance of understanding one's own nature and the broader universe.
  Figulus underscores the value of three primary books: the vast book of Nature (Macrocosmus), the smaller book representing Man (Microcosmus), and the Holy Scriptures (Sacra Biblia). These books, he believes, offer profound insights into the divine and human nature, guiding individuals towards eternal truths.
  However, Figulus expresses his discontent with those who have suppressed or distorted these ancient teachings, especially the works of Theophrastus, a revered philosopher. He accuses certain individuals of hiding, altering, or selling these invaluable texts for personal gain, thereby depriving humanity of their profound wisdom. He is particularly critical of those who have kept the most essential works hidden, especially Theophrastus' theological writings, which he believes are crucial for understanding divine truths.
  In the context of the present book, which he titles "Pandoram Novam Auream & Olympiacam" and which discusses the Philosopher's Stone, Figulus aims to share this knowledge openly, especially since it contains treatises that have never been seen before. He dedicates the book to esteemed lords and patrons, acknowledging their support for alchemical and spagyric arts. He humbly requests their continued patronage and protection against detractors and mockers of these noble arts.
  Figulus concludes by expressing his commitment to defending the teachings of Theophrastus and promoting the truth. He places his trust in divine protection and hopes that with God's grace, he can continue to serve the pursuit of knowledge and truth. The dedication serves as a testament to Figulus' dedication to ancient wisdom, his critique of its misuse, and his hope for a future where these teachings are revered and understood.

• Dedication, 28 December 1607 st.v., Benedictus Figulus to Sebastian Küller, Georg Schwalenberg and Heinrich Praetorius; German

• Dedication, no date (1608), Benedictus Figulus to Johann Baptista von Seebach; German (Source: BP280)

• Dedication, no date (1608), Benedictus Figulus to Joachim Ernst Markgraf von Brandenburg; German (Source: BP280)