Text.Alchemica.1600-01.Z3v/Translation
On the METALLURGICAL WORKS of NICOLAS SOLEAS.
To the Reader.
The world could not alone grasp each of the divine testimonies that proclaim the presence of the Divine, which are unfolded everywhere as the wonders of the world: Many things lie hidden in vast waves; many are distant in the ether; the Earth covers many things. There are those whom it pleases to ascend high, to see those things: SOLEAS (for his own pleasure draws each one) with an easily lowered staff contemplates the inner places of the Earth; And driven, while he explores the path of the miners, while with much effort he excavates what immense labor finally uncovers, he himself often visits the mines, the gifts of Nature, to observe. It is immense how much he has advanced in his study, (for indeed he has seen a long procession of marvelous things), it is immense how much now carried aloft to the upper airs he restores for our use. Poorly understood by the ancients, never known, or even in our own age not accepted, who doubts the many mysteries of the Earth? who (I ask of many) in what way is the Earth pregnant with metals? By what husband must it be fertilized? By what seed in its womb does it conceive? What is the power of the seed of birds? What is the image of the miner's death? From where do movements come? What is the cause of calm rest? Who first, and with equal reasons, was the teacher? Then how from here and there in their own field might they spread out? Now melt? Now demand the use of a solid body? Breathe? Exhale? Emit a scent? Now shine with light do the metals? Who has shown this more fortunately with his pen? Soleas alone could rightly mark these with a trophy, The arcane mysteries of the Good Shepherd's twig are not unpleasing. Alas, with a long struggle of the mind they pursue: but to them SOLEAS has snatched away the hanging herb from all. Unless you observe him as the fires change with varying actions, (not one will be suitable for all at the same time), believe me, you will be frustrated with the better use of fire. Add that while you attempt safe solar works with waters, a cave is formed against it, pregnant with a flowing stream: It is a great risk to aid this closely; to whom did not soon ungratefully take away life the excluded fetus? If you consult SOLEAS by that, you will be free: SOLEAS saves life with interest. Who will recount the rest, worthy of the Labor of Wisdom, Worthy of the efforts of Metallurgists? They themselves will speak. You have greater things than hoped for, dear Reader, if you have a book by which you might see with your eyes, or hear with your ear; If the Genius of SOLEAS will favor you with secrets.
Johann Hartig from Silesia
