A New Light of Alchemy

4I would have described the entire process in these chapters, but it is already sufficiently contained, together with multiplication, in the books of Lull and other true philosophers. I was therefore content to discuss only first and second matter, and have done so candidly. Do not suppose any mortal has accomplished this more clearly than I, for I did it from the labour of my own hands and my own experience, rather than from many books. If you do not understand or do not believe the truth, accuse yourself rather than my book, and believe that God does not wish to reveal this secret to you. Implore him persistently, then, and work through this little book with many repeated readings, especially the epilogue to these twelve chapters. Always consider nature’s possibilities, the elements’ actions, what is foremost in them, and especially the rarefaction of water or air. Thus were the heavens and the whole world created. I wished to point this out to you as a father to a son. Do not wonder that I have written so many chapters. It was not for my own sake, since I have no need of books, but to warn the many who labour on empty things not to spend their resources in vain. Everything could indeed have been contained in very few lines, or even words. But through reasons and examples I wished to lead you to knowledge of nature, so that before anything else you would know what you should seek: first matter or second. Nature too would be disclosed to you, with her light and shadow. Do not be disturbed if, according to the philosophers’ customary manner, contradictions sometimes meet you in my chapters. You need them, if you understand. No rose is found without thorns.