Contents

First Book

First Chapter

Initiation as a Freemason. — Stirred expectations. The term "Aufnahme" (initiation or admittance) refers to the formal ritual of being received into a Masonic lodge. In the 18th century, this was often a moment of great intellectual and social anticipation for young men seeking Enlightenment ideals. | 3

Second Chapter

Internal unrest. — Inquiries into purposes that come to an end without having begun. This likely refers to the internal conflicts and administrative confusion common in 18th-century secret societies as they struggled to define their ultimate goals. | 19

Third Chapter

First appearance of the Rosicrucians. — Their effects in the Hamburg lodges. The Rosicrucians (Rosenkreuzer) were a mystical secret society that claimed ancient alchemical and spiritual knowledge. Their "appearance" in Masonic lodges often caused significant disruption, as they introduced occult elements that contrasted with more rationalist Masonic traditions. | 49

Fourth Chapter

Various causes for a single outcome. | 59