The Alchemist opens with a letter from Ben Jonson to his patron, Lady Mary Wroth. In the letter, Jonson praises Wroth and adds that the worth of a sacrifice is not as valuable as the dedication behind that sacrifice. He notes that even the most respected works lose value over time, but leaves the judgment of the play up to her. He cuts his letter short, not wanting to seem like he is faking his sincerity with excess verbiage.

Jonson’s address to the reader separates the audience into “Understanders” and “pretenders,” noting that many people in his age are only impressed by dancing and antics in plays that are not realistic. Meanwhile, people are more likely than ever to be tricked, and many people who go to the theater do not truly understand the meaning of the performances. Jonson also criticizes professors, who view boldness in plays as the only measure of quality. Some of these writers may create something worthwhile, but it is rare and does not make up for the lesser quality works that they produce more frequently. Good work from an author that produces many bad works only stands out because of the contrast between them, whereas consistency—works that are “polished” and “composed”—is superior, even if the masses cannot recognize this.