SYNOPSIS OF PART II.

OF THE SECOND VOLUME.

CLASS VII. Hieroglyphic Mathematics. It encompasses the mathematical Quadrivium, that is, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astrology. The "Quadrivium" was the traditional four-subject curriculum of the liberal arts, focusing on numbers and their relationships to the physical and celestial worlds.

CLASS VIII. Mechanics or Architecture. It investigates the construction of the marvelous machines used by the Egyptians.

CLASS IX. Iathrics, or Hieroglyphic Medicine. Iathrics: Derived from the Greek word for "healing," this refers to the art and science of medicine. It declares the Egyptians’ reasoning and method in healing; likewise, it treats the natural and supernatural care of individual limbs, where many curious things concerning herbs, stones, animals, medicinal amulets, and the exorcisms of "ensalmos" original: "ensalmorum". These were rhythmic charms or incantations used in folk healing, particularly in the Spanish tradition which Kircher often references. are brought forth from hieroglyphic doctrine.

CLASS X. Chemistry. It treats hieroglyphic Alchemy and its mysteries presented hieroglyphically.

CLASS XI. Magic, or Hieroglyphic Magic. It explains the origin of oracles, the types of divinations used by the Egyptians, magical sculptures, amulets, phylacteries, and "periapta" Periapta: From the Greek for "hung around," these are charms or amulets worn around the neck for protection.; furthermore, it sets forth at length the "Telesmata" original: "Telesmata". Talismans or consecrated objects intended to draw down celestial influences. and "Camaea" original: "Camæa". Engraved gems or cameos often believed to have magical or medicinal properties. of the Gnostics, together with a refutation of the superstitions encountered, in order to facilitate the understanding of the hieroglyphics.

CLASS XII. Metaphysical Theosophy, or Hieroglyphic Theology: In which the theology of the ancients—Zoroaster, Hermes, Orpheus, Pythagoras, and Plato—is compared with Egyptian theology to reveal the sources of hieroglyphic doctrine. Here, the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity—already accepted even then by the Egyptians through successive tradition from the first Patriarchs of the world—is explained through various hieroglyphic ornaments. Kircher believed that the ancient Egyptians held a distorted but recognizable version of Christian truths, passed down from the time of Noah. The nature of Angels and Demons is described, as well as their guardianship over individual classes of worldly things, and their descent and attraction through various ceremonies and rites performed in sacrifices using fumigations, scents, herbs, and stones. Thus, it is demonstrated in various ways that the Obelisks and other hieroglyphic inscriptions contain nothing other than the presentation of these aforementioned matters.

A woodcut decorative tailpiece featuring scrolling floral and vine motifs, arranged symmetrically around a central axis.