_J. F._ [Illustration: *decorative divider*] The Preface. The Author wisheth all health to, and prays to God for a blessing upon all the Searchers of _Alchymie_, namely the true Sons of _Hermes_. _Courteous Reader_, When I considered with my self, that many adulterated books, and false Receipts (as they call them) of _Alchymists_, composed through the fraud, and covetousnesse of Impostors, in which not so much as one spark of truth appears, were in request with the Searchers of Naturall, and mysterious Arts, by which even very many have been, and still are deceived: I thought I could do no better service, then to communicate that talent, committed to my trust by the Father of Lights, to the Sons and Heirs of Wisdome. And to this end, that future ages may take notice, that this singular Philosophicall blessing of God hath not been denyed to some men, not only in former ages, but also in this. It seemed good to me for some Reasons to conceal my name, whilst I doe not seek praise to my selfe, but endeavour to be assisting to the lovers of Wisdome. Therefore I leave that vain desire of honour to those that had rather seem to bee, then to bee indeed. What here I write by way of testimony to that undoubted Philosophicall truth, comprehended in few lines, have been taken out of that Manuall experience, which the most High hath vouchsafed to mee, that they which have laid the principall, and reall foundations in this commendable Art, may by this encouragement not forsake the practise of the best things, and so bee secured from that wicked swarm of smoke-sellers, whose delight is to cheat. They are not dreams, as the ignorant vulgar call them; neither are they foolish inventions of idle men, as fools, and men void of understanding (who deride the Art) conceive them to be. It is the Philosophicall truth it selfe, which as _I_ am a lover of the truth, I ought not, nay _I_ could not for supporting and confirming the truth of _Alchymie_, undeservedly cryed out against, keep close, or bury in silence. Although it may bee much afraid in these times (when vertue and vice are esteemed alike) by reason of the unworthinesse of this age, and ingratitude, and treachery of men (to say nothing of the curses of Philosophers) to come forth upon the publick stage of the world. _I_ could produce witnesses of this Chymicall truth, _viz._ sage Authors, according to the unanimous consent of divers honorable Ancients in so many severall nations: but those things which are manifest by ocular experiment, need no further proof. Many men both of high, and low condition in these last years past, have to my knowledge seen _Diana_ unvailed. And although there may be found some idle, and ill-employed fellowes, who either out of envy, or malice, or fear of having their own frauds discovered, cry out that the soule may bee extracted out of Gold, and with the specious, and deceitfull delusion