Azoth and Fire, or the Golden Fleece

An intricate engraving within a rectangular frame. The top portion shows a large six-pointed star, or hexagram, floating among clouds. This star often represents the union of opposites or the "As above, so below" principle. A central medallion contains two symbolic figures. On the left, a cross with a crown of thorns sits on a solar symbol (a circle with a central dot), which rests on a downward-facing crescent moon. This represents the purification of the metals through spiritual suffering. On the right, a slanted cross with a wreath stands above a circle divided by a horizontal bar, which is the symbol for antimony (a metal used in the purification of gold). The bottom half of the illustration shows a laboratory. On the left, a distillation apparatus rests on a rectangular furnace. A glass vessel called an alembic (a still-head used for cooling vapors) connects to a receiver flask. On the right stands a large, multi-tiered cylindrical furnace known as an athanor. The athanor was designed to provide a steady, long-lasting heat for alchemical processes. Several small vents or lids are visible at the top.

original: "Krügner Jun. sc."