A Compendious yet Complete Philosophical Handbook (1748) - Page 2

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A central emblem or bookplate is pasted onto the page. It features a blue oval containing a white pelican in its piety, feeding three chicks with blood from its breast. This is a traditional alchemical symbol for the process of multiplication and the sacrifice required to transform matter. The nest rests on a white cube or pedestal adorned with a red cross and four roses, which are signature symbols of the Rosicrucian order. Golden rays descend from the top of the oval. Surrounding the oval is the circular inscription "Hermetic Philosophy" original Latin: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA" in gold capital letters.

Hermetic Philosophy original: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA"; This refers to an esoteric tradition of knowledge based on the teachings of the legendary Hermes Trismegistus, concerning the secrets of nature and the soul.

Technical vocabulary: Hermetic Philosophy, Pelican in its Piety, Rosy Cross, Hermeticism, alchemy