A decorative typographical headpiece consisting of repeating floral and scrolled fleurons arranged in a horizontal band.

HERMETIC

PHILOSOPHY

TO STUDENTS, GREETINGS original: "STUDIOSIS S." The 'S.' is an abbreviation for 'Salutem,' a standard Latin salutation meaning 'health' or 'greetings.'.

An ornamental woodcut initial 'I' that serves as the first letter of the text. The woodcut features a central column; to its left is a stag gazing up at a horizontal arrow, and to its right is a bearded figure standing against the column.
AMONG the pinnacles of secret PhilosophyIn this context, "Philosophy" refers specifically to Alchemy, often called the "Hermetic Philosophy" or the "Art.", the belief has long grown strong that the work of the Hermetic stoneThe Philosophers' Stone, the legendary goal of alchemy said to transform base metals into gold and act as a universal medicine. is the highest achievement and akin to a miracle. This is true both because of the complexities of the manifold operations from which the human mind cannot extricate itself unless ignited by the rays of a higher light; and because...