Text.Crollius.1609-01.aa1r/Translation
Elegy on the True Ancient Philosophical Medicine
Written by Ulrich Bollinger
Addressed to Oswald Crollius, Most Fortunate Physician and Alchemist
To Oswald Crollius, Philosopher and Most Skilled Physician, My Dearest Friend, From Ulrich Bollinger, Crowned Poet
Oswald, my poetic talent is not so great that it could sing adequately about the grand things you deserve, O great Crollius, glory of the medical ranks. How could I describe with simple verses the true medicine that brings hope to the suffering? This is the medicine that lifts our minds to the heavens and proclaims the Creator as God. Every herb proves the divine power of the One who created all kinds of things for us. Look into nature's secrets, hidden deep inside, if you doubt that there are any divine beings. This is the knowledge that reminds us we are gods and descendants of the divine. Yet, alas, it lies in the darkness.
How is it that such great ignorance grips blind minds, and a mere shadow deceives our eyes? The works of the ancients no longer survive, and their names are barely known in our time. Who now understands alchemy, the art that teaches how to remove the mute corpses of substances with Vulcan's flames? This is the work, this is the toil, to learn Vulcan's powers if you desire to prepare certain remedies for disease. This god (Vulcan) completes the whole art for you, so do not hesitate to lay your hands upon it first. Take the balms concealed within the threefold order of things if true healing is your desire.
With plants, animals can bring health, and the power of minerals will provide you aid. Do not be deceived by the dead appearance of things—seek the inner essence beneath the external. In these things, you will find Mercury, Salt, and Sulphur, and everything in the medicinal art that has value. The macrocosm and microcosm, by their sure bond, always go together in harmony. The greater world inserts itself into the lesser through its beneficial remedies and provides aid from the threefold realm.
Yet, mankind is bound in the very middle of Tartarus' dark night, chained by the iron bonds of God. Only a few know the hidden laws of the world and the medicine appropriate for each disease. Shame on us! Even creatures without reason know this, for they prepare their own cures. When arrows pierce the backs of wild goats, they seek out the well-known herb, dittany. The hawk is not ignorant of the remedy that sharpens its eyes. Serpents are familiar with their own cure, and blind bears seek out the stinging bees.
And for us, who bear the celestial image of the heavenly Parent, would God have wanted these things to remain hidden from us? I do not believe so. Instead, an evil error has taken these things from us, as we foolishly despise them. Alas, how twisted the world has become, assigning Satan the holy gifts of God! What grave impiety rejects the sacred breath and loves the darkness more than the light! Did an evil demon teach us these arts known to our ancient Fathers?
O fortunate ones, to whom the divine spirit of God reveals these mysteries from heaven! Did not God Himself teach the first man, Adam, the names and powers of all plants? How else could Jacob have known the power of his rod unless he had learned the work of nature? And was not the body of Joseph, although his eyes had grown dim, preserved from corruption?
The descendants of Amram were shown the noble tree by Jehovah, which made the bitter waters sweet. When a poisonous gourd threatened the feast, the Sapphathite provided aid with flour. When a king was struck with an ulcer, the priest applied figs as a healing remedy. Solomon, the wise, was not deceived by enigmas, and he knew which herbs helped and which harmed.
Such was the wisdom of thrice-great Hermes of Egypt, such was Haly, and the greatly praised Arab Geber. Such was Orus, born of Greek blood, who gave us the sacred symbols of things. And the one who wielded the scepter in Pelusiac lands, known as Chalides to the ethereal poles. Add to them the Lord of New Villa, the Latin Master, who goes by the prophetic name Morienus. No less was the scrutineer of the hidden art, Lullius, the old Ripley, and the so-called Roger. The best was Artephius, who revealed hidden causes, and the Count of Trevisan, named for his fortress.
Nor should we forget the one who held a bishopric in Spanheim, who passed down the occult arts of nature. Also, Johann Albrecht (Wimpinaeus), the great light of Bavaria, and Isaac Hollandus, the great glory of Batavia. Paracelsus, divine monarch in this art, whom no age has produced an equal.
Bartholomäus Korndörffer, who rejoices in his friendship with Paracelsus, is equally esteemed by Georg Fedro and Antonius Layendecker. Even today, there are those who live who follow this true path of wisdom. Johannes Montanus, the old man known throughout the world, follows the footsteps of Paracelsus. Winzius, and the one known by the famous name Mollerus, both successful historians of nature. Berger, devoted to this one study, skillfully mixes pleasing remedies by hand. No less is the great honor given to Valentin Weigel, who heals dreadful wounds with his skilled hand.
What more can I say of Thomas Moffett, John Dee, or Giambattista della Porta? Even England, famous for its doctors, celebrates these names. Giambattista della Porta reveals many remedies, as does Joseph Duchesne, whose name is known for his work with oak.
Giambattista della Porta, the great investigator of this art, delves into remedies, and Joseph Duchesne, whose name is noble for his knowledge of the oak, reveals much as well. The greatest of all in this art is Johannes Dryander, born in your own land, Crollius. And like another Ulysses, the great traveler Johannes Scerbetius has seen the mystical secrets of many lands and seas. Haffnia celebrates Johannes Gramann, born from Crag’s noble lineage, and Guillaume Arragos stands famous for this healing art. No stranger to this knowledge is Felix Plater, who consults for the sick in Basel. Along with Theodor Zwinger, both wrote excellent books from the same fatherland.
Add to these the fame that brothers Samuel Siderocrates earned through their studies of harsh mixtures and their illustrious name. Bernard Gilles Penot possesses the Salt that ensures weak bodies are not easily corrupted by decay. Does not Denmark praise its own Petrus Severinus? Does not the Ubii people exalt their own Johann Huser? Paul Linck is his devoted helper and faithful companion, ensuring that Paracelsus' glory, fame, and works endure.
With similar zeal, Gerhard Dorn sent his esteemed writings around the world, admired by chemists everywhere. Likewise, Johannes Hartmann is famous in the lands of Anhalt, a supporter of your doctrine, King Paracelsus. In the courts of Hesse, Johann Winter von Andernach and Jacob Mosanus provide medical counsel and healing hands. Shall I now speak of Johann Hörner, who astonishes Apollo and the sacred assembly of the Muses? He is the splendor and glory of physicians in these latter days.
And what of Adam von Bodenstein, a brilliant mind in the spagyric art and the only glory of Hesse? Add to this Claude Dariot, who earned his lasting fame through his chemical arts. The reputation of Johann Hiller, though known for studying rigorous law, is no less celebrated for his work on Paracelsus' teachings. His diligent work unfolds whenever a serious illness strikes or a severe affliction invades the body.
Nicolaus Maius, born under a fortunate star, follows Paracelsus' path, translating his works everywhere. Maius, educated in the discipline of Apollo, is now the overseer of Joachimsthal. And you, Martin Ruland, shall not go unmentioned in my verses. The court of Caesar rightly honors you. Nor shall I overlook those who, through poetry and song, revealed the hidden powers of nature—Michael Toxites, and Alexander von Suchten, both of whom are bright stars of intellect.
Now I return to you, Crollius, whom great Apollo and Mercury have given as a distinguished physician. You know the mysteries of ancient doctrine: I have seen your Mercury, Salt, and Oil. You understand what Apollo and Mercury, the messenger of Cyllene, can do, and you know the power of the god Vulcan. From this knowledge, the concord of the threefold world is revealed to you, where the ancient medicine of things is hidden.
Yet, you do not wish to hide such a grand talent, as those consumed with the bitter envy of others do. Much can be demonstrated in this present little book, which you leave for the benefit of all people. You, who have traveled through the Latin and Franconian regions, have brought the remedies you prepared with great labor into the clear air for the common good, releasing the medicines once sealed in your secret store. For this, future generations, enriched by your writings, will surely owe you great thanks. May you continue in your noble gift and scorn the profane critics, for great rewards await you in heaven.
