Authors/Johannes Rhenanus
From Theatrum Paracelsicum
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Personal Bibliography
Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces
- Dedicatory Preface, 1 May 1624, Hermannus Condeesyanus [Johannes Rhenanus] to Christian I, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg; German
- Source: Dyas Chymica Tripartita, Das ist: Sechs Herrliche Teutsche Philosophische Tractätlein, ed. Hermannus Condeesyanus, Frankfurt am Main: Lucas Jennis, 1625, sig. A3r–B1r = pag. 5–9 [BP.Alchemica.1625-01]
- Rhenanus reflects on the historical perception of his homeland as described by ancient historians like Cornelius Tacitus. He contrasts the ancient view of the land as harsh and barbaric with its current state, highlighting its advancements in agriculture, governance, and intellectual achievements. Rhenanus argues that the German people have produced talents equal to or surpassing those of historically celebrated cultures such as Greece and Italy, in fields ranging from poetry and philosophy to science and technology. He specifically mentions the invention of printing and gunnery as significant contributions and defends the intellectual capacity of his contemporaries against the derogatory descriptions of ancient writers.
Rhenanus also discusses the contributions of German philosophers to mystical philosophy and their pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone, suggesting that Germany has more such learned individuals than any other nation. He cites notable figures and their works to support his claims about the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of his homeland.
The letter concludes with Rhenanus informing Prince Christian that he has received two treatises from contemporary German philosophers on the Philosopher's Stone, which he intends to publish under the prince's patronage. He expresses a desire to demonstrate the ongoing richness of God's gifts to humanity and to validate the true seekers and philosophers of their time.
- Rhenanus reflects on the historical perception of his homeland as described by ancient historians like Cornelius Tacitus. He contrasts the ancient view of the land as harsh and barbaric with its current state, highlighting its advancements in agriculture, governance, and intellectual achievements. Rhenanus argues that the German people have produced talents equal to or surpassing those of historically celebrated cultures such as Greece and Italy, in fields ranging from poetry and philosophy to science and technology. He specifically mentions the invention of printing and gunnery as significant contributions and defends the intellectual capacity of his contemporaries against the derogatory descriptions of ancient writers.
- Dedicatory Letter, 30 April 1634, Johannes Rhenanus to Bruno Carl von Uffeln; Latin
- Source: Johannes Rhenanus, Opera chymiatrica, Frankfurt am Main: Conrad Eifrid, 1635, sig. A2r–A7v [BP357]
- Rhenanus defends the dignity, antiquity, and utility of chymiatria (iatrochemical medicine) while explaining its historical marginalization. He laments that many highly useful disciplines have declined, especially chemistry, once cultivated in Egypt but allegedly suppressed under Diocletian. The proper art of preparing medicines, aligned with Hippocratic principles, had been lost until its revival by Paracelsus. Rhenanus attributes the neglect of chymiatria to two principal causes: its inherent difficulty—since the most noble arts require arduous labor—and its deliberate obscuration by earlier practitioners through allegories and enigmas. These factors led later generations to disdain and reject the discipline, misrepresenting it as novel and harmful.
Against such misconceptions, Rhenanus asserts the venerable lineage of chymiatria, citing authorities from Hermes Trismegistus and Hippocrates to medieval and early modern figures such as Arnold of Villanova, Raymond Lull, and Isaac Hollandus. He situates his own work within a broader effort by contemporary scholars to restore the art. Recounting the history of his chymiotechnical dissertation (first presented in Marburg in 1610), he describes its favorable reception, subsequent plagiarism, and eventual revision and expansion. The new edition incorporates additional experiments, a guide to Paracelsus, a treatise on the philosopher’s stone, and previously published medical works, including an antidotary against plague and a diagnostic manual.
Rhenanus frames publication as a moral duty: both producing knowledge and encouraging others to do so benefit the commonwealth. He emphasizes the importance of patronage, arguing that the authority of a distinguished protector enhances the reception of scholarly works. The dedication to von Uffeln is thus both an expression of gratitude and a strategic appeal for support against critics of chymiatria. The letter concludes with a formal request for patronal protection and a conventional blessing, situating the text within the rhetorical traditions of early modern scientific and medical publishing.
- Rhenanus defends the dignity, antiquity, and utility of chymiatria (iatrochemical medicine) while explaining its historical marginalization. He laments that many highly useful disciplines have declined, especially chemistry, once cultivated in Egypt but allegedly suppressed under Diocletian. The proper art of preparing medicines, aligned with Hippocratic principles, had been lost until its revival by Paracelsus. Rhenanus attributes the neglect of chymiatria to two principal causes: its inherent difficulty—since the most noble arts require arduous labor—and its deliberate obscuration by earlier practitioners through allegories and enigmas. These factors led later generations to disdain and reject the discipline, misrepresenting it as novel and harmful.
