Page 11 - Book of Composition

therefore make it manifest and known unto you.
I have set down that word although it be unknown and strange, to the
intent to make it manifest by definitions. But Hermes the philosopher,
and others which have been after him have thus defined this word as it is
in the book of the Mutations of Substances: Alchemy is a bodily
substance compounded of one, or by one thing, and more precious by
conjoining nearness and effect, and with the same natural commixtion,
converting naturally with better policies. But in that which follows this
which we have spoken shall be explained, where we shall entreat at large
of the composition of it. And although our wit will be but raw and our
Latin but little yet we have taken in hand to translate this great work out
of the Arabic tongue into Latin. Wherefore for the singular grace
bestowed on us of God among others now living we give endless thanks
to that great living God which is three in one. And it seemed good unto
me to set my name in the beginning of the preface, lest any man should
attribute this our labour to himself, and also challenge the praise and
desert as due to himself.
What should I say more? I humbly entreat and beseech all men that none
of us would fret with envy of mind against my name, for the great God
knows on whom he bestows his grace and his spirit proceeds of grace,
who inspired whom it pleases him best. Therefore we ought worthily to
rejoice when as the Creator and Maker of all things shows to all men as it
were his particular divinity.

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