Chemical Library

A This letter identifies the first signature or section of the printed book.

A white rectangular label is pasted onto a background of marbled paper featuring a red, yellow, and blue-grey comb pattern. The label contains a central alchemical emblem within an oval. The emblem is framed by a green Ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, which represents eternity and the cycle of nature. Inside the oval, against a blue field, a golden vessel or sun radiates light from the top. In the center, a white pelican is shown "in its piety," pecking its own breast to feed its young with its blood. This is a traditional symbol for the alchemical process of revitalization and the sacrifice of the philosopher. The pelican rests on a silver crescent moon. At the bottom, a white cube features a red X-shaped cross with four red roses. The words "Hermetic Philosophy" are printed around the central oval.

Vocabulary: Hermetic Philosophy (the study of alchemy and hidden wisdom), Alchemical Emblem (a symbolic picture illustrating chemical or spiritual truths), Pelican in her Piety (a symbol of self-sacrifice), Ouroboros (the world-serpent), Rose Cross (a symbol associated with the Rosicrucian order), Marbled Paper (decorative paper used in bookbinding).