SETHOS,

HISTORY OR THE LIFE

FROM PRIVATE RECORDS

ANCIENT EGYPT.

original: "Traduite d'un Manuscrit Grec." While the title claims this is a translation of an ancient Greek source, the work is actually an original philosophical novel written by the Abbé Jean Terrasson (1670–1750). This "found manuscript" device was a popular literary trope used to lend authority to a story.

An engraved vignette featuring two winged putti winged infants, common in Baroque and Neoclassical art on either side of a central trophy. The trophy consists of a bundle of rods (fasces) with a caduceus the staff of Hermes/Mercury, representing wisdom and commerce rising from the center. Above, an arched banner contains the Latin motto "VIS UNITA MAJOR" Translated: "Strength united is greater". From the ends of the banner hang two balanced scales. The putto on the left has feathered wings and sits near a pile of coins or shells. The putto on the right has butterfly-like wings and is writing with a quill on a tablet. The scene is framed by clouds and foliage.

original: "Aux dépens de la compagnie." This refers to the "Compagnie des Libraires," a consortium of publishers often used in the Dutch Republic to distribute the high costs and risks of printing significant literary works.