Chapter Twelve On King Solomon, and whether he knew, possessed, and practised the Hermetic Art Those who denounce this Art as false rely especially on an objection concerning Solomon: they claim that he knew nothing of it, neither possessed it nor practised it. They seek to prove their assumption from the fact that he had gold brought from Ophir. They suppose that if he had been able to make gold himself, he would not have arranged for it to be brought from there.

But “Solomon had gold brought from Ophir; therefore he could not make gold himself” does not follow. Nor does “Even if he did not make gold himself or practise the Hermetic Art, therefore he knew nothing of it or did not possess it.” First, the reason for bringing gold from Ophir is sufficiently indicated by his wisdom: as a wise man he knew well that God does not wish what his divine wisdom has created to lie unused.

Second, there are still many today who set the Art and its practice aside, contenting themselves with this lofty knowledge and with contemplation of Nature and God’s wonderful works alone. Solomon in particular rightly declares in chapter 7 of his Wisdom that he preferred wisdom to kingdoms and principalities, and to every other treasure and worldly wealth. Moreover, his many duties of government may have prevented him from practising the Art. None of this entails that he lacked its knowledge, the highest treasure of earthly wisdom, according to Basil in the passage cited above.

All the more so, since he was the wisest of all the kings before and after him, and history indicates that the Art was better known among the Jews than perhaps among other nations. For Urim and Thummim were nothing other than the philosophical White and Red, as will also be mentioned in the following letter and in chapter thirteen. Above all, the knowledge in question is plainly ascribed to this king in chapter 7 of his Wisdom: “God has given me sure knowledge of all things, so that I know how the world was made and the power of the elements.”

For my part, it is likewise enough that I know, first, God and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and then Nature, so far as one can attain such knowledge in this mortal life. With the psalmist I sing from Psalm 92: “Lord, you make me sing joyfully of your works and praise what your hands have done.” For the rest, and in any event, I answer with the author of On the Metamorphosis of Metals: “If this Art has a real foundation in Nature, why should I be troubled about whether this man or that understood it, when we know that its practitioners and experts concealed themselves with the greatest care?” and so forth.