⚠The text on this page is a mirrored bleed-through (show-through) from the title page on the recto side of the leaf.

ASCLEPIUS

BY HERMES

TRISMEGISTUS original: "Mercurii Trismegisti." Hermes Trismegistus, the "Thrice-Greatest Hermes," was a legendary Hellenistic figure believed to be the author of the Hermetic Corpus—a series of texts combining Greek and Egyptian philosophy, science, and theology.

With Commentary

BY BROTHER HANNIBAL ROSSELI

of Calabria, of the Order of Friars Minor of the Regular

Observance; Professor of Sacred Theology and Philosophy

The "Regular Observance" was a reformist branch of the Franciscan Order that sought to strictly observe the original rule of St. Francis.

at the most celebrated University of Krakow.

original: "Studio Cracovien." This refers to the Jagiellonian University in Poland, where Rosseli taught.

Professor.

To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord, Lord George Radziwiłł ...?

Jerzy (George) Radziwiłł (1556–1600) was a powerful Polish-Lithuanian nobleman, Cardinal, and patron of the arts and sciences.

Book VI: On the Immortality of the Soul

which is the first book of the Asclepius

The Asclepius is one of the most famous dialogues in the Hermetic tradition, dealing with the nature of God, the universe, and human destiny.

The printer's device of the Lazarus press in Kraków is visible in reverse due to the ink bleeding through from the opposite side of the paper. It features a central vertical monument, likely an obelisk or a stylized cross, standing upon a pedestal within a decorative frame. The Lazarus press (Drukarnia Łazarzowa) was one of the most prestigious printing houses in 16th-century Poland.

In Krakow

At the Printing House of Lazarus.

1585.