Text.Alchemica.1625-01.3A2r/Translation

Preface.

Dear favorable reader, the study of Alchemy is not only very delightful and pleasing but also surpasses all other arts and studies by far, due to the many great mysteries hidden within it and the benefits that follow for the God-fearing. However, it is also such that one cannot always spend time solely reading; this is because the philosophers have concealed the most important knowledge so deeply and hidden it as if within labyrinths.

For this reason, in my opinion, those books that, alongside ingenious descriptions, are also adorned with beautiful, artful figures, should be somewhat preferred over others. This is because in these books, after the mind has become somewhat burdened by the multitude of reading, one can find refreshment again. Just as in the summer, after having wearied oneself with many tasks and labors in the great heat all day, and then in the evening, when the pleasant and very welcome coolness comes, one goes for a walk either in a beautiful pleasure garden, green meadows, or wooded areas, where both body and mind are refreshed and revived.

Therefore, dear reader, since the preceding work called "Dyas Chymica Tripartita" is already adorned with many beautiful figures, I have taken the opportunity to add some more: Namely, these one hundred and sixty alchemical emblems, or Spagyric roses, which were previously used in the work of Mr. Ioannis Danielis Mylius' "Medico-Chymico," along with four other large figures. The first marked with ΑΩ. The remaining three, however, with the numbers 1, 2, 3.

And since the script of the mentioned one hundred and sixty alchemical emblems, being engraved in circles, is somewhat difficult to read, and also of little or no use to those not familiar with the Latin language, I have, dear reader, to please you, translated them and always printed such descriptions opposite the figures. You will now know how to use both this and the preceding for your benefit, and in the meantime, understand my well-intended effort and the diligence applied for the best. If I perceive this, it will give me reason and cause to serve you further in the future in this regard. With that, I commend you to God.

Lucas Jennis.