ON THE SIGNATURE

original: "DE SIGNATURA" — Latin title for the doctrine of signatures, the belief that every created thing bears an external sign of its internal essence.

instrument is drawn out and the others remain hidden, following behind with their resonance, as is clearly proven. As soon as a human being is born into this world, his spirit strikes his instrument; thus, one sees in the external resonance and conduct his internal form original: "gestaltnuß" — the inner configuration or character of a soul in good or evil. For as his instrument sounds, so also do the senses proceed from the essence of the mind original: "gemüt" — the deep-seated disposition or soul-center, and thus the external spirit of the will proceeds with its gestures, as is seen in humans and animals; for there is a great difference in behavior, as one brother or sister does not act like the other.

Furthermore, we must recognize that although one fiat original: "fiat" — the creative "let it be" or formative power maintains the upper hand and shapes the form accordingly, the other two nevertheless provide a resonance whenever their instrument is struck. This is seen in how many a person, and also many an animal—whether they are inclined toward great evil or good—is nevertheless moved by a counter-resonance toward evil or good. Such a person often lets his inborn form sink away when the counter-resonance strikes his hidden lute or form. As we see, an evil person is often moved by a good person to rest from his wickedness when the pious person, with his lovely spirit, strikes the other's hidden instrument. Likewise