Fasciculus chemicus or Chymical collections. Expressing the ingress, progress, and egress, of the secret hermetick science, out of the choisest and most famous authors. Collected and digested in such an order, that it may prove to the advantage, not onely of beginners, but proficients of this high art, by none hitherto disposed in this method. Whereunto is added, the Arcanum or grand secret of hermetick philosophy. Both made English by James Hasolle, Esquire, qui est Mercuriophilus Anglicus.

TO THE STUDENTS IN Chymistry.

ALthough (accord∣ing to Aristotle) Musick be rank∣ed in the num∣ber of Sciences: yet we read how K. Philip taunt∣ed his Son Alexander, when he found him Harmoniously singing,

in these words; Alexander, art not thou ashamed to sing so finely? By which words he accounts it dishonorable for a Noble Man to use that Art publikely; but rather when he is at leisure: Privately, either to refresh his Spirits, or if there be any dispute concerning Physick, that it should be temper∣ed with all Harmonical sweetness, and proportion. In like manner it is (to our grief be it spoken) with the Art of Chymistry, whilest it is so much defamed, dis∣paraged, and brought into dis∣grace, by the fraudulent dealings of Impostors, as that whosoever professes it, shall still be stigmatized with Publike Reproach.

Nevertheless very many, yea, too many there are to be found at this day, (professing I know not what shadow, of this Divine Art) who ingross unto themselves, as it were the whole World, to its

Destruction, [Brass, Iron, or other Metal,] not to convert the same into Gold, but are found at length to cheat with it for Gold, to the great grief of many: Orphans mourn, by reason of such Knaves, Widows weep, Husbands lament, Wives bewail their misery. This Man desireth his Lands, that his House, another his Rents taken from him. And amongst these al∣so (which is the more to be won∣dred at) we have known very many instructed in every Acade∣mical Science; because of whom (being struck no less with Admi∣ration then Fear,) I begun to be something discouraged, and by the example of their vain Expence, gave over any further scrutiny in this Golden Science.

But the remembrance of my Infancy in this Study, wherein for seven yeers together I had been an eye witness of the Truth thereof,

I spent many laborious days, and tedious nights, until that accord∣ing to the advice of Count Ber∣nard, I had for some yeers read, and more accurately perused the most select and approved Au∣thors; the which (although at first I supposed they had differed amongst themselves, as if what this sayes, another denyes, what here is raised, there is ruined, yet) at length I found (by Gods assist∣ance,) that they agreed Hermeti∣cally and Harmonically, in one Way, and one Truth; by which means I discovered the one sort true Philosophers, the other false Chymists, and at length, called to minde the memorable saying of Dastin the Philosopher: That it sufficeth not to be Learned, unless in the very thing from whence the Question ariseth. So I found men, (otherwise Learned) unlearned in this Art; amongst which I knew

a Bishop, (whose fame in Chymi∣stry was celebrated of many, whom I visited, after I had seen a little Chymical Tract, writ with his own hand:) And when I took him laboring in our Common Gold, whence he studied to Ex∣tract Vitriol, (which he held his onely Secret) I left him; for that I saw he had neither before him the proper Matter, nor the manner of Working, according to the Doctrine of Philosophers; and that I knew he had many Coal-rakers, and Brokers of Receipts, as well in England, as in Germany, and Bohemia: But truly I found not one Man for Thirty yeers to∣gether, that wrought upon the proper Matter, and consequently not any who deserved the name of a Philosopher. And for my own part, if more may not be granted me, then a far off to be∣hold the Holy Land, I shall ad∣mire

whatsoever the Great and Omnipotent God, is pleased out of his infinite Mercy, to grant me; yet in the interim, whilst (for delight sake) I was conver∣sant (by the favor of Hortulanus) in the Philosophical Rosary, I pickt out some no less pleasant then wholsome Flowers, which I have made up into a Fasciculus, for the Ease and Benefit of Young Stu∣dents, in this Art (whilst in read∣ing and perusing, they were wont to consume some yeers, before that they learned rightly how to handle, or in handling to com∣pound:) The which (if not too boldly) I dedicate to you the Lo∣vers of this Truth, and have ac∣counted it worthy of publike view. Deign therefore (ye inge∣nious Men,) that this my Fascicu∣lus, howsoever collected by my Labor, yet by your Authority and Favor, to be presented a more

Illustrious Work: whence (by Gods Favor and Permission) they may be able to pick out what is daily so much desired, and sought for, by multitudes.

What in observance, Faith, and all Duty, and in memory of your Merits, may in any wise be per∣formed by me, to your praise and honor: the same I most freely, and dutifully promise, and vow shall be performed. Farewel most Famous Men, and may ye not dis∣dain to cherish me with your Pa∣tronage.

Yours most devoted ARTHUR DEE. C. M. Archiatros Anglus.