Description of the Illuminati

intentionally? For the time being, one can assure the public, and in any case prove, that the introduction of Illuminatism in Bavaria dates back somewhat further than 1779.

The system of the Illuminati did not have the slightest tincture of Masonry, but only certain external signs.

A tincture original: "Tinctur"; used here to mean a trace, flavor, or slight infusion of Masonry? The author either thought nothing by this word, or he knows nothing of the inner workings of the Order. How could it be that Illuminatism did not possess principles and institutions *) that serve enlightenment, ob-

original footnote: *) Traces and evidence of this may perhaps be found by the searching thinker himself in that which was cited with so much clamor and such malicious consequences for the dishonoring of the Order. I understand here primarily the duty and obligation of the Illuminatus concerning himself and those [assigned] to him...