_I did some time since, sincerely discover to certain of my Friends,
some of the best of the =Arcanums= (described now publickly) in this
Treatise, with such condition as they themselves should prepare the
same: but they have not as yet set about the Work, and perhaps for
no other reason, than because they thought it a matter not of great
but of small moment. Hence it was, that they could not believe so
great a Medicine could be prepared in so few days. It is manifest by
the Writings of Philosophers, that =Maria= the Prophetess, Sister of
=Moses=, could ripen the Stone of Philosophers in three Days. Likewise,
some Philosophers have absolved their Work in a Week. Others have
consumed some Months labour upon the same. But now, those erroneous
Fellows (who run from one to another, and although themselves be rude
and ignorant of all things, proffer their labour for reward to make
the Stone of Philosophers) require to themselves for digestion the
space of one, two or three whole years. But what a vast difference is
there between three days and three years. As for my self, I indeed as
yet have never elaborated so great a Work, but have seen with my Eyes
so great a possibility thereof, and with my hands handled things so,
as (if time and place be given, and God grant success) I am confident
I shall prepare this supream Medicine in a very short space of time.
But I can truly affirm, that in all my life I never aspired to things
so high; yet what hath been conferred on me by God, I now make common.
Wherefore, he (whom God shall favour) may there begin, where I have
ended, and happily consummate the Work: but if he (whom God favours
not) shall attempt any thing therein, let him not disquiet me with
troublesome Interrogatories; for I know not how to answer more, than
are here discovered by me. Yet (if God please) after some short space
of time, I will clearly expose to publick view, whatsoever I have found
and seen in the particular Melioration of Metals. Which indeed will
contribute great Light to this later Age of the darkened World._