ABSTRACT
I have formerly been a very great Traveller, and when I was in Germany, some Years ago, I happened to make an Acquaintance with a celebrated Alchymist, who had spent a great Part of his Life in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. It has often happened, that altho’ the Virtuosi of this Sort have failed in their principal Attempt; yet the accidental Discovery of some Secret, which they never aimed at, has fully recompensed them for the Labour of the Undertaking. This was the Case of my worthy Friend abovementioned. He was obliged, by an untimely Death, to leave the GREAT WORK unfinished; but it is owing to his Industry, that I am become Master of a SECRET, of equal, if not of superior Importance.2
