Page:Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus Vol I (IA cu31924092287121).djvu/22

xvi anticipated that this inquiry will fix for the first time the true objects of Hermetic physics, and the place which must be assigned to Paracelsus in connection therewith. The less ambitious but indispensable preliminary of this inquiry has been alone attempted here, and the simple provision of a text, as intelligible as the circumstances will allow, has been truly no light undertaking, nor should it be regarded as the exclusive work of one hand. The editor has accomplished his task with the collaboration of other specialists, and is responsible only for certain portions of the actual translation, and for its general revision and collation. The work, as it stands, consists of (a) the large body of literature, entire and unabridged, attributed to Paracelsus, and treating directly of alchemy, and the transcendental doctrines and physics of the Magnum Opus; (b) The whole Paracelsian literature of the Great Elixir and the Universal Medicine; (c) So much of the Hermetic philosophy and cosmogony of Paracelsus as has been judged necessary to illustrate his alchemical teachings; (d) One important treatise illustrating the application by Paracelsus of metallic and mineral substances to the treatment of diseases; (e) An exhaustive collection of alchemical references scattered through the chirurgical works of Paracelsus. Thus, the present edition is practically inclusive of everything except the exoteric medicine of Paracelsus, which, it is thought, is of inferior importance to the modern student.