A decorative rectangular woodcut headpiece featuring symmetrical scrolling foliage and floral motifs.

THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PHILOSO-

PHERS, EXCERPTED FROM AN ANCIENT

MANUSCRIPT CODEX,

an edition such as has never

been seen until now.

THE LETTER OF ARISLEUS, WHICH HE

placed before the sayings of the wise concerning the

intention of the book for future students, for their

instruction: which is here.

Arisleus A legendary figure often associated with the alchemical tradition; some scholars suggest the name may be a corruption of a Greek name like Aristaios., son of Pythagoras, a disciple among the disciples of Hermes, learning by the grace of the threefold exposition of knowledge original: triplicis expositione scientiæ; this refers to Hermes Trismegistus, or "Thrice-Greatest," who was believed to hold the three parts of the wisdom of the whole world: alchemy, astrology, and theurgy., [sends] greetings and mercy to all who remain in posterity. I declare that my Master, Pythagoras the Italian Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BC) is best known today for mathematics, but in alchemy, he was revered as a primary master of natural secrets., Master of the wise and head of the prophets, possessed such a gift of God and of wisdom as has been given to no one since Hermes. Therefore, he wished to gather his disciples—now multiplied and established as leaders throughout all regions—to treat this most precious art, so that their speech might be the root for those who come after them. Moreover, he commanded that Iximidrus Commonly identified as the pre-Socratic philosopher Anaximander. should speak first, for he was of the best counsel; and beginning, he said:

The First Discourse.

Iximidrus said: I say that the beginning of all things is a certain nature, and that it is perpetual and makes all things equal; and that those things which are seen—their natures, births, and corruptions—are the times at which the limits reached are seen and named. Furthermore, I teach you that the stars are fiery and that the air contains them; and if it were not for the humidity and density of the air, which [tempers] the flames of the sun

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