To the Reader.
and ſuch like, but here is not place for ſo large a diſcourſe as this would amount to. I ſhal only at this time relate to you how Penotus was
cheated with a ſophiſticated Oil of gold, for ſaith he I gave 24 duckets for the proceſſ of an Aurum potable which was much cryed up and magnified at Prague, but at laſt it proved
to be nothing but a mixture of oil of Camphire, Cloves, Fennel-ſeed and of Vitrial tinged with the leaves of Gold. I know I ſhall incurre the diſpleaſure of ſome, but they are ſophiſticating, cheating mountebanks, who indeed deſerve to be bound to the peace, becauſe many men, I dare ſwear, through their means go in danger of their lives. Better it is that their knavery ſhould be detected, then a noble Art through their villany be clouded, and aſperſed.
Now we muſt conſider that there are degrees in this Art; for there is the accompliſhing of the Elixir it ſelf, & there is the diſcovering of many excellent eſſences magiſteries, and ſpirits, & c. which abundantly recompence the diſcoverers thereof with profit, health, and delight. Is not Paracelſus, his Ludus that diſſolves
