Frater Albertus (1911 – 1984) was a long time member of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, the founder of the Paracelsus Research Society, and an eminent Alchemist who, through his many workshops and books, served as a mentor to some of the most important Alchemists of today. This selection is the Introduction to his book, The Alchemist’s Handbook (Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy), an invaluable guide for aspiring Alchemists.