PR EFACE

knowledge, seeing having alwaies the preheminence before hearing, and

reason hath the praise before folly.”
To the scientist, this may smack too much of empiricism and will be
disparagingly discarded by him.
Is it really so unreasonable to accept the symbolism and word combi-
nations of the Alchemists of the Middle Ages in the same light that we
now take for granted the assertions of science?
The foregoing certainly deserves an honest answer.
In the following pages, should my hypotheses become evident to the
reader, may they represent an attempt to keep the torch gleaming in these
times of Stygian darkness. Centuries ago this flame was lighted by Alche-
mists whose names eventually will be honored by the children of those
now making vain efforts to ridicule them.
It is anticipated that this handbook will not see an enormously large
edition, since only a few may want to own a work on a subject which has
fallen into such ill repute. Yet, those who have tried for some time to start
experimentation in their laboratories in order to discover if there really
is truth to be found in Alchemy, will find welcome and perhaps valuable
help in its contents. There is no doubt in the author’s mind that serious
and prepared students can accomplish what is outlined in these pages.
Many years have elapsed since the writing of the present manuscript.
After due deliberation, it has been considered timely now to hand it to
the printer, so that others may benefit from it.
May it become what the title indicates, namely: a handbook for alche-
mystical novices.
With Peace profound,
Frater Albertus
Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
May 6, 1960

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