an
"introduction to mystic theology" and identifies the concepts of "Arcana
Naturae" and "Chymica." (M. H. der C. G., 1903, p. 149; 1909, p. 169 ff.)
In the laws of the grand lodge "Indissolubilis" (17th and 18th centuries)
there are found as doctrinal symbols of the three grades, the alchemistic
symbols of salt (rectification, clarification), of quicksilver
(illumination), and of sulphur (unification, tincture), used in a way that
corresponds to the stages of realization of the "Great Work." The M. H. d.
C. G., 1909, p. 173 ff. remarks that we should probably regard it only as
an accident, if there are not found, in the famous hermetic chemical
writings, similar signs with additions as would for experts, exclude all
doubt as to their purport. In 1660 appeared at Paris an edition of a
writing very celebrated among the followers of the art, "Twelve Keys of
Philosophy," which was ostensibly written by one Brother Basilius
Valentinus. In this edition we see at the beginning a remarkable plate,
whose relation to masonic symbolism is unmistakable (Figure 1). In
addition to the lowest symbol of salt (represented as cubic stone) there
is a significant reference to the earth and the earthly. [I should note
that besides [Symbol: circle with diameter line] alchemy used [Symbol:
square] for salt, in which there is a special reference to the earthly
nature of salt. In Plato the smallest particles of the earth are cubical.
Salt and earth alternate in the terminology, just as mercury [Symbol:
female] and air [Symbol: air] or water [Symbol: water] do; as sulphur
[Symbol: sulfur and fire [Symbol: fire]; only, however, where it is
permitted by the context.] The Rectification of the subject (man) taken up
by the Art, is achieved through the purification of the earthly elements
according to the indication of the alchemists who call the beginning of
the work "Vitriol," and form an acrostic from the initial letters of this
word: "Visita Interiora Terrae, Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem" [=
Visit the interior of the earth; by purifying you will find the hidden
stone]. Half way up there floats the [Symbol: mercury] that has the value
of a "union symbol" in the brotherhoods (as such, a symbol of fellowship)
and left and right of it is found the moon and sun or the flaming star.
Above is placed a triangle, in which is a phoenix rising from the flames;
and on the triangle stands the crowned Saturn or Hermes (in masonry
Hiram). On the left a