A Collection of Various Old, Rare, and True Philosophical Writings (1719) - Page 4

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A circular emblem is mounted on a white rectangular card. The image depicts a white pelican in her piety, a pose where the bird pecks her own breast to feed her young with her blood. This is a common alchemical symbol for the process of extraction and nourishment. The pelican stands on a square pedestal decorated with four red roses. Golden rays of light shine down from a sun in the heavens above. The scene is framed by a blue oval and a circular border with the title Hermetic Philosophy.

Hermetic Philosophy original: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA," referring to the esoteric and alchemical tradition associated with the legendary figure Hermes Trismegistus.

L. Minderfer, November 25, 1892. This is a later owner's signature, likely a collector or librarian from the late 19th century.