John Reid's Course on Practical Alchemy - Dedication

Dedication and Acknowledgement

This book is dedicated to the one true love of my life, my darling Nicholeine. Her love and support have buoyed me through the darkest times of self-doubt and fear.

Thanks must first be given to Divine Providence for blessing me with success in my efforts. I never had the good fortune to attend classes at the Paracelsus Research Society or the Paracelsus College. The majority of my education in alchemy was transmitted to me through the good auspices of Divine revelation. Sometimes, Divine Providence will choose a different mode of assistance and elucidation. In this respect, I would like to thank all those who have helped me in writing this book. If it had not been for my father letting me use his computer or providing the lab space, the book would never have been written. My mother deserves special thanks: her freezer was always occupied with one gallon containers of vinegar. The house, too, was regularly incensed with the smell of burnt herbs when experiments went awry. Their love, patience and moral support over the last few years have been invaluable. Also thanks to all those customers of Magnum Opus, Inc. who urged me on to write what I had promised to.

Special mention must be made here of a few individuals. A deep heartfelt thanks goes out to Hans W. Nintzel, who put up with incessant phone calls from me when I first got started in alchemy; to Russell House, who helped me to keep an even head about the work that I was doing and for giving me some very valuable hints about mineral alchemy; to Henry Hintz who talked with me for hours about alchemy and its theory; J. D. Holmes and Glen Houghton who helped me procure many a valued book; to Canon M. Labrie for editing the second edition manuscript.

A great deal of craftsmanship went into preparing the photographic plates of this book. In this regard, let me thank all of the artisans of Everett Studios who worked so diligently on this project, especially Steve Sundlof and Mary Bedell.

Finally, thanks must be given to Frater Albertus and Manfred M. Junius for their books, As well asto A. Cockren, Basil Valentine, Eirenaeus Philalethes, Paracelsus, and all the other philosophers who have left to us the gifts of their works to study and learn from.