Even thus saith Hermes: Through long years I have not ceased to  experiment, neither have I have spared any labour of mind And this  science and art I have obtained by the sole inspiration of the living  God, who judged fit to open them to me His servant, who has given to  rational creatures the power of thinking and judging aright, forsaking  none, or giving to any occasion to despair. For myself, I had never  discovered this matter to anyone had it not been from fear of the day of  judgment, and the perdition of my soul  if I concealed it. It is a debt  which I am desirous to discharge to the Faithful, as the Father of the  faithful did liberally bestow it upon me.  Understand ye, then, 0 Sons Of Wisdom, that the  knowledge of the four  elements  Or the ancient philosophers was not corporally or imprudently  sought after, which are through patience to be discovered, according to  their causes and their occult operation. But, their operation is occult,  since nothing is done excep...