74 
MESSRS. H. E. STAPLETON AND R. E. AZO ON 
psedia) to be the source from which the 9th Section of the Mafatihu-l- Ulum was com- 
piled c. A.D. 976, i.e. } about half a century after Ar-Razi’s death. 
The text printed by Van Vloten being practically an epitome of the Madkhalu-t- 
Ta'limi , it is only necessary at present to quote the introductory and concluding 
passages of the new MS. 
Begins: “ This treatise is called Al-M adkhahi-t-T adimi (Elementary Introduc- 
tion). In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate! Vouchsafe Thy help, 
O Gracious One ! 
‘ ‘ Know that for each art there are instruments, and these instruments have 
names which people who use them know, but which others are ignorant of. 
“Now for the Art known as Al-Klmiyd there are instruments and substances, 
and these have names which its followers know and others are ignorant of. Anyone 
who desires to study it to any extent, must needs be acquainted with their names, and 
(characteristic) appearance, and be able to tell whether they are of good or bad 
quality. All this if the student can ever learn, it will. only be after long study of 
their properties, and thorough investigation. 
“ I have here given such an account of these things as will enable a student 
who masters it to be as one of the adepts (of the Art) and to fully comprehend their 
sayings. And God is the giver of success by His favour and power.’’ 
Ends: “ The student should make himself perfectly familiar with every thing 
that we have mentioned in those of our books that follow this one, in their proper 
order, book by book. He should first read Al-M adkhalu-l-Burhanl (Introduction to 
the Theory of the Art) which we have also termed Kitab ‘ IlaU-l-Ma'adin (Book of the 
Diseases 1 of Minerals), so that he may have an exact knowledge of the genesis of the 
c Spirits,’ ‘Bodies,’ Stones, and Minerals. Next, the Kitab I t/bati-s-San‘ ah wa-r- 
Radd ‘ aid munkirlha (Book of Confirmation of the Art and Refutation of those who 
Deny it). Next, the Kit abu-l-H ajar (Book of the Stone), which explains of what ‘the 
Stone ’ is made. Next, the Kitabu-t-T adbir (Book of the Operation), which shows by 
what process ‘ the Stone ’ is made Next, the Kit abu-l- 1 ksir (Book of the Elixir), which 
explains by what power it imparts the (required) colour to the Medicine, and why, 
and how. Next, the Kitab Sharafi-s-Sind‘ah (Book of the Nobility of the Art), so 
that he may know the Nobility of the Art and of its followers, its Excellence, and the 
Superiority of the man who Strives over him who (only) relies upon Providence. 
Next the Kitabu-t-T artib (Book of Progression), so that he may know the claims of the 
Masters of this Art, and the method of experimenting. Next, Kitabu-t-T adabir (Book 
of the Operations), so that he may know why the Sages have adopted these proces- 
ses, and what compelled them to do so, and how to carry on any process that is re- 
quired. Next, the Kitdbu-l-Mihan (Book of Tests), so that he may have a correct 
knowledge of the (differentiation by) tests of Gold and Silver from all other bodies. 
Next, Kitabu-sA-Shawahid (Book of Evidences), so that he may know that the an- 
cient Sages were of similar opinions to ourselves. Next Kitab Sirri-l-Hukamd ’ wa 
Hiyalihim (Book of the Secret of the Sages and their Devices) , so that he know how 
1 Cf. Stapleton, in Mem. Asiatic Soc. Bengal, I, 2, p. 36. 
