678. Curiously enough, seeing the obscurity
surrounding Valentine himself, we do not know for sure who made the
translation. The translator apologizes somewhat for the deeply religious
spirit of the book, but considers that he was not justified in
eliminating any of this. The paragraph is left in the quaint,
old-fashioned form so eminently suited to the thoughts of the old
master, and the spelling and use of capitals is not changed.

"Basil Valentine: His Triumphant Chariot of Antimony.--Since
I, Basil Valentine, by Religious Vows am bound to live
according to the order of St. Benedict and that requires
another manner of Spirit of Holiness than the common state of
Mortals exercised in the profane business of this World; I
thought it my duty before all things, in the beginning of this
little book, to declare what is necessary to be known by the
pious Spagyrist [old-time name for medical chemist], inflamed
with an ardent desire of this Art, as what he ought to do, and
whereunto to direct his striving, that he may lay such
foundations of the whole matter as may be stable; lest his
Building, shaken with the Winds, happen to fall, and the whole
Edifice to be involved in shameful Ruine which otherwise being
founded on more firm and solid principles, might have
continued for a long series of time. Which Admonition I judged
was, is and always will be a necessary part of my religious
Office; especially since we must all die, and no one of us
which are now, whether high or low, shall long be seen among
the number of men. For it concerns me to recommend these
Meditations of Mortality to Posterity, leaving them behind me,
not only that honor may be given to the Divine Majesty, but
also that men may obey him sincerely in all things.

"In this my meditation I found that there were five principal
heads, chiefly to be considered by the wise and prudent
spectators of our Wisdom and Art. The first of which is
Invocation of God. The second, Contemplation of Nature. The
third, True Preparation. The fourth, the Way of Using. The
fifth, Utility and Fruit. For he who regards not these, shall
never obtain place among true Chymists, or fill up the number
of perfect Spagyrists. Therefore, touching these five heads,
we shall here following treat and so far declare them, as that
the gene