Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras

...with pride; a sublime magnificence in theory without any degradation in practice; and a vigor of intellect that elevates its possessor to the vision of divinity, thus deifying the soul while it exalts it.

The original of the engraving of the head of Iamblichus facing the title-page is to be found at the end of a small volume consisting of Latin translations of Iamblichus’ De Mysteriis, Proclus’ On the First Alcibiades of Plato, etc., 18mo, Geneva, 1607. This engraving was added because it appeared probable to me that the original was copied from an ancient gem. And as it is not impossible that it was, if it is not genuine, it is at least ornamental.

For a representation of a fine bust of Pythagoras in the Vatican, see Vol. 6, plate 26, Statue del Museo Pio Clementino.