INTRODUCTION.
Among the Secrets of Physich and Philosophy, first
written in the German tongue by the most learned Theophrastus
Paracelsus,—(and now published, 1633, in English, by John Hester, of
London)—the " Seconde booke contains the ordering, and preparing of all
metalls, mineralls, allumes, saltes, and such like, for medicines, both
inwardly and outwardly ; and for other uses." " Therefore," says he, "
Gentle Reader; peruse this booke with discretion ; and then if thou
seest it stand to thy mind, set thy hand to the plough, and be diligent
in thy worke ; so that thou mayest knowe the proofe, and feele the
ready commoditie thereof ; for, yee shall understand that there is no
medicine in the world that can be found of so quicke operation as the
mineralls are, if they bee truely prepared, and as I shall shew you
hereafter. But, if they be not well prepared, they are very hurtfull,
and are not to bee allowed. Therefore looke that ye prepare them as I
shall shew you; and then you shall wonder at their working."
"
Heere, in this Treatise wee will set foorth that which wee have seen,
and wrought, and prooved, and are expert therein. And, although it be
sprung out of the Art of Alchemie, yet it is not to that intent; for,
it serveth not to transmute metalles, but it serveth to
