Authors/Joachim Morsius

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedicatory Letter, 1620-03, Joachim Morsius to Heinrich Nollius; Latin (Source: BP.Drebbel.1621-01) (#5911)

from: Cornelis Drebbel, De quinta essentia Tractatus, ed. Joachim Morsius, no place, 1621

Morsius sends his greetings to Nollius, expressing his admiration for combining the study of public law, philology, and history with a deep understanding of Nature and Hermetic Medicine. Morsius acknowledges the late start to his studies in this field but is confident in the personal and public benefits derived, particularly crediting his recent journey to Britain. He promises Nollius a first glimpse of his progress through a learned Drebbelian pamphlet and hints at sending more gifts of similar nature in the coming months. Morsius emphasizes his reliance on Nollius's partnership in his intellectual endeavors, pledging his total allegiance and requesting Nollius to convey his regards to their esteemed colleagues, Guinand Rutgers and Clement Timpler.

• Dedicatory Letter, 1620-03, Joachim Morsius to Daniel van Vlierden; Latin (Source: BP.Drebbel.1621-01) (#5914)

from: Cornelis Drebbel, De quinta essentia Tractatus, ed. Joachim Morsius, no place, 1621

Morsius extends heartfelt greetings to Daniel van Vlierden, reminiscing about their meaningful discussion on Cornelius Drebbel before Morsius's trip to Britain. He shares that he has published Drebbel's significant work on quintessence, facilitated by Isebrand Rietvwyck, for those devoted to authentic chemistry. Morsius believes Drebbel, who has always been generous, will forgive this bold move made out of love for knowledge. Additionally, Morsius plans to include Drebbel's letter to King James about perpetual motion, a piece given to him by János Bánfihunyadi in London, dedicating it to van Vlierden. He expresses a deep bond with van Vlierden, wishing to share both intellectual pursuits and leisure, highlighting the profound connection and mutual respect between them.

• Dedicatory Letter, 1621-05, [Joachim Morsius] to Georg Schumacher; Latin (Source: BP.Drebbel.1621-02) (#5907)

from: Cornelis Drebbel, Tractatus duo, ed. Joachim Morsius, Hamburg: Heinrich Carstens, 1621

Morsius expresses deep respect and eternal gratitude to Schumacher. He praises Schumacher's noble character and recounts his warm reception and friendship, particularly highlighting Schumacher's humanity and kindness. He feels indebted to Schumacher and struggles to find a way to repay his exceptional affection. Morsius offers Drebbelian pamphlets as a modest token of his eternal obligation, mentioning that one was dedicated to Schumacher by Peter Lauremberg years ago. He requests Schumacher to continue valuing him and sends regards to Johann Adolph Tassius.

• Dedication, 16 July 1626, Joachim Morsius to Gerhard Culemann; Latin

Morsius informs Culemann about the publication of a Catalog of Manuscripts, which Culemann had previously shown interest in during Morsius's visit to Rensburg. The catalog has been printed to facilitate its distribution among advisors and booksellers of Christian Kings and Princes, hoping to inspire generous patrons and diligent printers to publish such esteemed and valuable works. Morsius expresses a wish that rulers would redirect their resources from supporting aggressive and destructive military forces to fostering the pursuit of Theosophy, which battles against ignorance and impiety in the world. He contrasts two types of soldiers: those serving worldly kings through physical warfare and those engaged in spiritual warfare under divine guidance. The former are driven by various passions and desires, while the latter have renounced vices and live virtuously. Worldly soldiers seek personal glory and material gain, whereas spiritual soldiers aspire for eternal rewards and serve the common good. The text further elaborates on the characteristics of these two types of soldiers, emphasizing the inner stability and righteousness of spiritual warriors, regardless of external circumstances. Morsius highlights the importance of rulers who, guided by divine wisdom, can govern justly and equitably. He prays for the prosperity and well-being of the Danish and Holstein families and asks Culemann to commend his studies and endeavors to God.

Letters

• Letter, no date, Joachim Morsius to the Rosicrucians; Latin (Source: BP.Morsius.1619-13)

The letter is a deeply introspective and respectful communication to a group of wise men, whose writings he has recently discovered and studied with great diligence. The author, feeling divinely inspired, expresses his profound admiration for their wisdom and seeks their guidance. He reveals his background as a young man of about twenty years from Holstein, lacking extensive education but possessing a strong desire for knowledge and virtue. The author describes his life philosophy, which includes a commitment to the public good, a disdain for material wealth, and a pursuit of inner truth and virtue. He has chosen Theosophy as his guiding principle and hopes to align his life with its teachings. Despite his modest background and fortunes, he aspires to a life of intellectual and spiritual fulfillment, transcending his circumstances. The author expresses a readiness to meet and learn from these wise men, showing a willingness to embrace whatever life brings, guided by principles rather than personal desires. He concludes by affirming his disdain for the scorn of the uneducated and his dedication to living a life of honor, hoping for a response and keeping the wise men in his prayers.