The Hermetic Writings, Volume 1

PROLOGUE

In Asclepius 1b, two other pupils besides Asclepius are introduced, and in Asclepius 41a, the presence of one of these two is mentioned, and the other's is to be presumed. But in the greater part of the dialogue, Hermes addresses Asclepius alone and shows no sign of awareness that others are present. Hence, it may be inferred that Asclepius I, II, and III, in their original form, mentioned no pupil except Asclepius, and that the passages mentioning other listeners have been added or altered by the person who combined the separate documents into a larger whole. The redactor (editor) intended the composite document to be regarded as a "Perfect Discourse"—the consummation of Hermes’ teaching—and he may have thought it fitting that the privilege of receiving the crowning revelation should be shared by the three men known by tradition as pupils of Hermes.

The passages in which the presence of other hearers besides Asclepius is implied are listed as follows: Prologue 1b; Asclepius I. 6c, 7a; Asclepius II. 16a; Asclepius III. 24b, 25, 32b, 34b, and Epilogue 40d, 41a. In some of these cases, there are grounds for suspecting interpolation (later additions).

In contrast, in the following passages, Asclepius appears to be the only hearer: Asclepius I. 2a, 2b, 3b, 6a, 7a, 8, 9, 10, 11b, 12b, 13; and Asclepius III. 19a, 20a, 20b, 21, 22b, 23b.