Oh happy child, discoverer of this book and of this treasure of philosophical secrets Praise be to you. For you will become a wise artist. For this book will tell you everything that is hidden between heaven and earth in the treasure-house of the wise art. Because it is fitting that all books on our art should have a forward or explanation, I have added this foreword here, so that you will know what is hidden in this book. You should know that great universal works of various kinds are to be found in this book. You will discover nature itself.

This Treatise contains some of the Choicest Collections of the Famous Sir Kenelm Digby, some whereof have been wrought by his own hands, some communicated to him by Learned Men of all Nations. I had the Honour for several years to wait upon Sir Kenelm, and to have several of his Manu-scripts in my Custody. This choice manual contains rare and profitable Secrets in Philosophy and Chemistry, delivered with more perspicuity and plainness than is yet to be found in any Chymical Book."