A General Triple Key

TO THE STE-

GANOGRAPHIC BOOKS

OF JOHANNIS TRITHEMIUS

ABBOT OF SPANHEI-

MENSIS; Abbot of Sponheim Abbey; the Latin suffix "-mensis" indicates his residency and leadership at this Benedictine monastery.

WRITTEN BY THE AUTHOR HIMSELF,

AND TO BE COMMUNICATED TO THE LOVERS OF THIS

art who will declare their gratitude and

keep the secret. The author emphasizes that this knowledge is intended only for those who are worthy and capable of maintaining its confidentiality.

A woodcut emblem depicts three figures in a workshop or laboratory setting; one figure strikes an anvil with a hammer while others assist or observe. The entire scene is enclosed within a decorative oval wreath tied with ribbons. Such emblems often symbolized the "forging" of hidden wisdom or the laborious process of alchemical and intellectual discovery.

DARMSTADT

Printed by Balthasar Hofmann, at the expense of Johann Berner,

Bookseller of Frankfurt. In the year 1621.

With the Privilege and consent of the Superiors. original: "Cum Privilegio & consensu Superiorum." This phrase indicates that the book was published with official ecclesiastical or civil authorization.