Amphitheater of Eternal Wisdom

A detailed engraving of Heinrich Khunrath at age 42, dated 1602. Khunrath is shown from the waist up, set within an inscribed oval frame. He has a pointed beard and mustache, wearing a heavily textured, fur-lined doublet. He sits at a desk holding a pair of compasses over a paper; a small dog peeks out from under his right arm. On the desk are scientific and alchemical items: spectacles, glass retorts, a skull, and an open book titled "BIBLIA". To the left of the frame is a stack of books labeled with alchemical and philosophical subjects. At the top right, a radiant cloud contains the Hebrew Tetragrammaton and a Latin biblical quote. Below the portrait is a rectangular box containing a twelve-line Latin poem, flanked by two decorative herm-style figures. The engraver's signature is at the bottom edge.

יהוה Yahweh
My GRACE
is sufficient for you.

NATURAL
HISTORY
KABBALAH
MAGIC
ALCHEMY

BIBLIA.

(Left page)
S. S. S. Perhaps "Sanctum Spiritum Sanctum" or "Sapientia, Scientia, Spiritus".
In words,
herbs and
stones
there is power.
(Right page)
JEHOVAH lives
by whose power
we live,
and this whole
world.

C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
E
O
F
G
O
D

Do not blame the Books of THIS man, I tell you, SOPHIST:
Oh, may the labor of this HENRICUS yield to the AMPHITHEATRE!
For he has performed it rightly by the instinct of the Sacred Deity;
Indeed, these writings are never contrary to the TRUTH;
If it is because he defends and adorns sincere WISDOM,
He restores it, clarifying and purging the abuse,
He wished to serve every Man and GOD,
So that in equal measure, the Name and Omen of KHUNRATH,
GREAT IN COUNSEL, might celebrate the Gifts of JEHOVAH.
Finally, nothing remains except that he scorns the mockeries of Momus a mythological figure representing mockery and criticism;
And may he continue to benefit many by writing in this way:
For he is strong in talent, and polished in Art.

M. Andr. Ricciius.