The Temple of Solomon (1718) - Page 2

[Semler, Christian] Likely referring to the 18th-century author Christian Semler, known for works on history and the soul.

Wolfstieg 32794 A reference to August Wolfstieg’s Bibliography of Masonic Literature, used to identify rare texts related to secret societies.

Collation complete original: "Coll. kplt.", an abbreviation for "Collation komplett," signifying that the book’s contents have been verified as whole. D. An Likely an inventory or shelf-mark abbreviation.

Recto

original: "Rv", designating the front side of a leaf.

HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY original Latin: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA". This refers to the tradition of esoteric knowledge attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, blending alchemy, astrology, and theurgy.

The central emblem depicts a "pelican in its piety"—a mother bird tearing her own breast to feed her young with her blood. This was a common Christian symbol for Christ’s sacrifice, but in the context of alchemy and Rosicrucianism, it represents the stage of "multiplication" or the nurturing of the soul’s development. The bird sits upon a golden pedestal adorned with four red roses The rose is a key symbol of the Rosicrucian "Rose Cross," signifying the unfolding of spiritual life., under the light of a radiant sun.

H. Possibly a library mark or owner’s initial.