THIS BOOK FOKMS PART OF THE ORIGINAL LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BOUCHT IN EUHOPE 1838 TO 1839 BY ASA CRAY ANCIENT ALPHABET S AND ^^ HIEROGLYPHIC CHARACTERS EXPLAINED; WIjTH AN ACCOUNT OF THE EGYPTIAN PRIESTS, THEIR CLASSES, INITIATION, AND SACRIFICES, IN THE ARABIC LANGUAGE BY AHMAD BIN ABUBEKR BIN WAHSHIH; AND IN ENGLISH BY JOSEPH HAMMER, SECRETARY TO THE IMPERIAL LEGATION AT CONSTANTINOPLE. LONDON: PRINTED BY W. BULMER AND CO. CLEVELAND ROW; AND SOLD BY G. AND W. NICOL, BOOKSELLERS TO HIS MAJESTY, PALL-MALL. 1806. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The original of this translation was found at Cairo, where it had escaped the researches of the French Savans, who, though successful in collecting many valuable Oriental books and manuscripts, failed in their endeavours to procure a satisfactory explanation of the Hieroglyphics. Literary, as well as military, acquisitions excite great interest. After the harvest of the members of the French Institut, the less expectation there was of gleaning with success in the field of Egyptian literature, the greater satisfaction a discovery B 11 TRANSLATORS PREFACE. Jike this must give, and the more the acqui- sition of such a manuscript, equally new and interesting, deserves to be appreciated. The account of its contents and author is as follows:—The author lived a thousand years ago, in the time of the calif Abdul Malik Bin Marw&n. His surnames would be suf- ficient to prove that he was a Caldean, Na- bathean, or perhaps a Syrian by birth, if he did not tell us himself that he translated a work treating on the hieroglyphics and secrets of Hermes, from his mother-tongue, the Na- bathean, into Arabic. AH Abdur-rashid Alba-koyi informs us in his Geography of Egypt (extracts of which are given by citizen Marul in the Egyptian decade) that in the year two hundred and five and twenty of the Hegira, a book was found in Egypt containing a notice of thfe construction of the pyramids and other Egyp- tian an liquities, written in unknown characters, and translated at last by a monk of the con-* vent of Cahnooiu This discovery proves to translator's preface. in be coeval with the time our author wrote his book, which was finished in the year two hundred and forty one. It is very likely that he had the means of perusing this translation of the Monk. He deposited the original of the book be- fore us (as we are acquainted by himself) in the library of the calif above-mentioned. This prince (one of the most enlightened of his dynasty) rivalled his great predecessors Hdrun Arrashid and Mltmun in the encou- ragement given to the progress of the sciences, and to the translation of mathematical and philosophical works from the Greek and Syriac into Arabic. Chalabizaade Hadshi Khalfa, the great Oriental encyclopaedist and bibliographer, gives us in his Bibliographical Dictionary an account of the works of our author, and mentions him as one of the most celebrated translators that ever enlarged the empire of Arabic literature by precious translations from foreign languages. IV TRANSLATORS PREFACE* Having thus made the reader acquainted with the merits of the author, it becomes ne- cessary to say every thing that may be con- sidered essential on the merits of the work it- self; independent of the praises which have been bestowed on it by different Arabic au- thors, who never mention it without ex- pressing the utmost regard for it. Though according to the Arabic title it is supposed to contain only the explanation of unknown alphabets, it gives beside a key to the hieroglyphics, and in the same chapter a curious account of the different classes of the Egyptian priests, their initiation and sacrifices; so that we may consider its contents under these three heads. Although it is difficult to say how many of the eighty alphabets herein deciphered may have been really used by nations, or how many letters in every one alphabet may have been disfigured and misrepresented either by the want of sufficient information in our author himself, or by the ignorance and TRANSLATOR S PREFACE. V blunders of the copyists; yet it is not pre- sumption to assert, that real truth lies at the bottom of most of them, and that those which were not alphabets for common writing, were used as ciphers amongst different Oriental nations. The proof of which is evi- dent from the circumstance, that some among these alphabets are used even at this day amongst Turks, Arabs, and Persians, as a kind of secret cipher for writing, without being understood by the generality. The commonest of them is the alphabet called by the author the tree alphabet. The first three alphabets of the first chapter, viz. the Cajic, Maghrabin, and Numeral, or In- dian alphabet, are universally known. Cujic inscriptions are found through the whole extent of the ancient empire of the Arabs, in Arabia, Persia, Syria, Egypt, Sicily, and Spain. The Maghrabi?i or Andalusian alphabet is the common character used at this moment in Morocco, and throughout the northernmost part of Africa. VI TRANSLATORS PREFACE. The numeral or Indian character is known to every true Arab or Persian, and to many Europeans; it is also known that in many of the Oriental languages, as well as in the Greek, alphabetical letters are used for num^ bers. The numerical signs, (called by us Arabic, and by the Arabs more properly In* dian numbers) used vice versa for letters, form an alphabet, which is generally known, and particularly used in the daftarddm, or treasury office, for accounts. The seven alphabets contained in the se- cond chapter merit the utmost attention from every Orientalist. The Hebrew, Syrian and Greek are already known to us; the Nabathean and Masnad or Himyciric we have heard of in history; but the Lacam and Cerrebian alphabets are unknown even by name. The difference of the Hebrew, Syrian, and Greek letters from the usual alphabets of these languages may be, perhaps, mere mis- takes of the copyist, but in spite of this conjecture, 'they deserve the closest examina- tion, for the author, by birth a Caldean or TRANSLATORS PREFACE. Yll Nabathean, must have been well acquainted with the original form of these alphabets. The Himy&ric or Masnad alphabet is very often mentioned in Oriental and European books, but this is the first specimen which has appeared of it.* Whether the Barrabi alphabet is the al- phabet of the people called Barrabars, or whether the Lacami alphabet is originally an Abyssinian one, are questions difficult to decide. The alphabets of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters, bearing the names of planets, constellations, philosophers, and kings may be considered as so many Oriental ciphers, which, at the time they were col- lected in this book, were, perhaps, named * "As to the Himyaric letters, or those which are mentioned by the name of Almasnad we are still in total darkness, the traveller Niebuhr having been unfortunately prevented from visiting some ancient monuments in Yemen which are said to have inscriptions on them." Sir William Jones's fourth anniversary Discourse. Vlll TRANSLATORS PREFACE. after some celebrated men, to whom their invention was ascribed. The names them- selves (as is commonly the case in all iransla* tions from a foreign language into Arabic) are so strangely altered and disfigured, that it was possible, but in very few cases, to guess the real meaning of them, and to trans- late them with the true original name. The Mimsliim, antidiluvian, or primeval al- phabet deciphered in the last chapter, is highly interesting; for it shows the transition of the hieroglyphics from being signs ex- pressive of words to the signification of simple letters; and the existence of such a hieroglyphical alphabet is sufficiently proved by the observations made on old Egyptian monuments; it shows, at the same time, the different modifications of the old Syrian and Caldean alphabets. It is left to the reader to make the com- parison between these characters and the known Oriental alphabets. We proceed now to the hieroglyphics called TRANSLATORS PREFACE. IX in Arabic Hermesian alphabets, from Hermes, who, according to Oriental history, was the first king of the ancient Egyptians. It is impossible to clear up entirely the darkness in which the history of this triple Hermes is involved. He is, however, evidently the Hermes Trismegistus of the Greeks, and pos- sibly the same with the triple Rdma of the Indians. The old kings of Egypt are comprehended fey us under the general name of Pharaohs. The Oriental historians divide them into three dynasties, viz. 1. the Hermesian: 2. the Pha- raohs; and 3. the Coptic or properly Egyptian kings. To the first, and particularly to Hermes the threefold himself, they ascribe the tombs, catacombs, temples, palaces, pyramids, obe- lisks, sphinxes, and all the royal, funeral, re- ligious, and astronomical monuments, which astonish the traveller in Upper Egypt. But incapable of distinguishing them, or of finding out their true appropriation, they believe all of them to have been constructed c X TRANSLATORS PREFACE. for the purpose of hiding treasures, of raising spirits, of telling fortunes and future events, of performing chemical operations, of at- tracting affection, of repelling evils, or of indicating approaching enemies; and they call them, according to these supposed pur- poses, treasure chambers, conjuring buildings, astrological tables, alchemical monuments, magical spells, talismans, and magic alarm- posts. The secrets of the contents of these monu- ments, or of the arts by means of which they are erected, were expressed, as they believe, by the hieroglyphics upon them, which being invented by Hermes, and kept secret by his descendants, were called the Hermesian al- phabet.* This specimen of Oriental writers being known to us, it is difficult either to confirm * This idea of impervious secrecy is obvious in the ex- pression come down to us of a thing being hermetically closed or sealed. As there occurs in the course of the manuscript a great TRANSLATORS PREFACE. XI or to contradict the explanation of our author. The most reasonable objections which can be made against the explanation of many of the hieroglyphics is counterbalanced by the evident truth, that a great many of them are known to have been invariably used in astronomy and chemistry for expressing the same objects; if the meaning of some of them does not prove satisfactory, there are others, to the truth of which no important objection number of words relative to magical arts and charms, we submit here to the reader the translation of the principal ones: Treasure chambers. Compounds; philtres. Conjuring buildings. Alchemistry. Astrological tables. The knowledge of spirits. Alchemical monuments. Planet-rings. Magical spells. Magic black-art. Talismans. Magician. Magic alarm-posts. Soothsayer. Inscriptions. Priest. Secrets of the stars. Pyramids. Conjuring spirits. Secrets, mysterious things. Fumigations. c 2 Xil TRANSLATORS PREFACE. can be made. Such are the hieroglyphics men- tioned to have been represented on the tombs for conveying to posterity the character, mode of life, and death of the person buried therein. The seven figures (see hierogtyphics, original p. 124,) said to have been engraved on the tombs of men killed by violent death, show evidently the different modes of it: light- ning, decollation, bite of a serpent, death by a hatchet, by poison, by a poniard, or by strangulation. The same concordance be- tween the hicroglyphical sign, and the object meant, will be discovered by a close inspec- tion of the four tables of hieroglyphics. It will be sufficient to mention here a single instance of original merit, and a true disco- very made by this manuscript, viz. the name of one of the most interesting hieroglyphics, which, after the explanation given by the au- thor, is evidently what Kircher calls anima mundi, but the ancient name of which never has yet been explained. It is written Bahumid, and translated into Arabic by the word calf. TRANSLATOR S PREFACE. XJlt It is superfluous to recall here to the me- mory of the reader the great antiquity and mysterious sense of the idolatrous veneration in which this calf has been continually held. It is superfluous to repeat any thing that has been said on the worship of Apis in Egypt, renewed by the Israelites in the worship of the calf, and preserved at this moment in the mysterious rites of the Druses. Let us remember only a circumstance which shows wonderfully the concordance and relation of the name of Bahumid and its translation. Bahwned or Bahumet is related in the History of the Templars to have been one of their secret and mysterious formulas, with which they addressed the idol of a calf in their secret assemblies. Different etymo- logical explanations and descriptions of this word have been brought forward, but none surely so satisfactory as this, which proves that the Templars had some acquaintance with the hieroglyphics, probably acquired in Syria. XIV TRANSLATOR S PREFACE. If, therefore, the explanation of the hiero- glyphics given in this book deserves attention* the account of the four classes of Egyptian priests, their initiation, and sacrifices, is no less interesting. In what a curious and new light do the catacombs of Sacara, containing the mummies of birds, appear by the account of those animals being embalmed at the initiation of the priests, wrapped up in a greater or lesser quantity of linen, and deposited in pits? How evident does it become that the Judaic law of the first-born being offered to the Lord on the temple's threshold, is of Egyp- tian origin? How interesting would it be to ascertain whether any of the thirty-two inscriptions seen by the author near Bagdad are actually to be found, or whether the shape of the letters of some pieces of poetry found by modern travellers in the neighbourhood of the ruins of Babylon, bear any resemblance to the Chaldean, Nabathean, Sabean, or Curclic TRANSLATORS PREFACE. XV alphabets? Certain it is that, though reason and fancy, truth and fable, may have con- tributed an equal share to the composition of this book, it must be considered notwith- standing as one of the most curious, the most interesting, and the most valuable manu- scripts that have been found among the trea- sures of the East; and the translation, it is hoped, will be thought an acceptable gift to the curious and learned. Having lately found in the bibliographical work of Hadji Calf a, and in another Encyclo- pedia, some notices about the author of this Treatise, and some other of his works, I have judged that a transcript of them, with a translation, would not be uninteresting in this place* In the bibliographical and encyclopedial work of Hadji Calf a, entitled, UJ ^ d^\\ u^i ^^iilj l^CM i.e. Elucidation of the Names of Books and Sciences, we find under the article e^£>- Philosophy, where the names of the most famous translators under the califs are XVi TRANSLATORS PREFACE. enumerated, the following passage: b£, The well-arranged Pearls of scientific Instruction, we become acquainted with the titles of some other curious works translated by our author. Under the article L^ Ac is the following pas- sage: k-^ y£* &*y ^ Jiu ^-i^ll $jS~> UjJiM l~s£ ^j And among the oldest books upon this science is the Sidrat ul muntahi, (The Tree of Paradise) translated by Ibn Wahsjiih from the Nabathean. In the same work under the head L*^ Ac Natural Magic, (which they distinguish from *~> or Supernatural Magic,) we are told that Natural Magic is divided into two branches, the first treating of the knowledge of the particular properties of plants, metals, ani- mals, &c; and the second, of the composition and construction of artificial machines; after translator's preface. xvu which the author says—J ^J\ Lr^\ ^ j *JL^ ^\ &u ^\ c^U»H J,W i^\ Among the books written on the first branch is that entitled 'Taafindt, that is Putrifactions, translated from the Nabathean by Ibn Wahshih. Finally under the head of &4i *U Science of Agriculture, as the most classicalof all books is quoted &JL>.3 ^\ J& Wi The Agricul- ture of the Nabatheans, a translation of Ibn Wahshih. A copy of this work, if I am not mistaken, may be found in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. See also Herbelot under the word Falahat. Since writing the above, I have discovered that this rare book was not unknown to Kir- cher, who in his work on the Hieroglyphics, under the first paragraph, Occasio hujus operis, says: " Quatuor lustra jam prope eguntur— "quo—Romam ut in obeliscis Romanis spe- D xvm TRANSLATORS PREFACE. "cimen quoddam exhiberem hieroglyphics "interpretations, e Gallia vocor, cujus lit- "teraturae hucusqueincognitee expervetusto "Arabico codice instaurationem me rnoliri "fania ferebatur." And farther below in the same episfola parcenetica talking of his means, and naming different authors, he concludes the enumera_ tion by saying; "quos inter principem sank iK locum obtinet A.ben Vaschia." Then again page 109 in the text naming his Arabic au- thors—" Gelaledden, Abeh Regel, et Aben 1 Vahschia de culture JEgyptiorum, et libro < de antiquitatae vitse, moribus, litteris vete- c rum iEgyptiorum, quos penes me habeo, c ex quibus haud cxiguum ad Hieroglyphi- c cum institutionem subsidium allatum est/' And then: " Nam Aben Wahschia—primus iEgyptios libros in linguam Arabicam trans- tulit, quem nos Melitae inter spolia Tur- corum repostum singulari Dei providential arabicum reperimus/' Now though these quotations shew that the TRANSLATOR S PREFACE. XIX manuscript was not, as I supposed, unknown, yet they enhance the value of it by the worth attached to it by a man like Kircher. The same work is now I believe at Paris, where there has lately been a great talk of the ma- nuscript alphabets at the imperial library transported from Rome; which renders the publishing of it in England the more interest- ing. Kircher found his copy at Malta amongst the Turks, and I this at Cairo amongst the Arabs. The author mentions his having deposited this work in the treasury of Abdolmdic in the year fllT Now the Calif just named reigned in the middle of the first century of the Hejira, and unless there was a public establishment of treasury or library founded by that Calif, and still bearing his name, wherein Urn Wahshih may have deposited it in the year ^i\ 2ll, long after the death of the Calif, it is im- possible to reconcile those dates, particularly as all my endeavours to find anywhere else the time wherein Ibn Wahshih lived, have proved fruitless. ^ u XX TRANSLATORS PREFACE. The following Table shewing the powers of the Arabic letters in Roman characters will be useful to those who may not be ac- quainted with them. \ alif has the power of A. 4—> bd ditto B. CJ id ditto T. lLj> sa ditto S, by some pronounced liKe th in the English word think. **. jim has the power of J, English. «. hd ditto H, very much aspirated. ~ khd ditto KH, a guttural sound like the Germane^. J ddl ditto D. 3 zdi ditto Z, by some pronounced like th in the English word those. j ra ditto R. \ zd ditto Z. ijM sin ditto s. i£ shin ditto SH, English. ^p sad ditto S, with a strong effort from the throat- ijq zdd ditto Z, with a strong effort from the throat, by some pronounced like a d with a guttural sound. t id ditto T, with a guttural sound. ls> zd ditto Z, with a guttural sound. ^ai/n ditto A, with a strong effort from the throato TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. XXI £ ghayn has the power of GH, or rather the Northumbrian R# t_i fa ditto F. jj kaf ditto K, very hard, CSk £=> kaf ditto K. A lam ditto L, a mim ditto M* ^ ??2/72 ditto N. j zcartf ditto W and u. a ha ditto H soft. <_$■ #a ditto Y and u AN EXPLANATION OF ANCIENT ALPHABETS AND HIEROGLYPHICS, &c. &c. [1 ] THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE. X raise to God, and health to his servants, who have pure hearts. Amen! My object is to col- lect the rudiments of alphabets used by antient nations, doctors and learned philosophers in their books of science, for the use of the curious and studious, who apply themselves to philosophical and mystic sciences. Each alphabet is represented in its old shape and form, the original name of it recorded, and the power of the characters written underneath with red ink* in Arabic letters, to the end that they may be better distinguished* I have arranged the work in chapters, and entitled it, The long desired Knowledge of occult Alphabets attained* With the aid of God! * This distinction, for obvious reasons, has not been imitated in the printed copy. [3] AN EXPLANATION OF ANCIENT ALPHABETS AND HIEROGLYPHICS, &c. CHAPTER I. The three usual (Oriental) alphabets, viz: the Cufic, the Maghrabin, and the Indian. Section I. The Cufic alphabet. Our Lord Ismael (peace be with him !) was the first who spoke Arabic, and who wrote the Cufic, of which nine different sorts were used. The ground of all of them is the Cufic alphabet, known by the name of Suru (See page 4 of the Arabic text beginning from the right.) Section II. The Maghrabin (western) or Anda- lusian alphabet, (v. orig. p. 5.) [4 1 Section III. The Indian alphabet of three different sorts, (v. orig. p. 6, 7, 8.) CHAPTER II. The seven most celebrated old alphabets. Section I. The Syrian alphabet, (v. orig. p. 9.) Section II. The old Nabathean alphabet, (v. orig. p. 10) Section III. The Hebrew alphabet, (v. orig, p. 11.) Section IV. The Berrabian alphabet, (v. orig. p. 12.) Section V. The Lukumian alphabet, (v. orig. p. 13.) Section VL The Musnad or [Hamyaritic) al- phabet, (v. orig. p. 14') Section VII. The Greek alphabet, commonly called the alphabet of the philosophers, (v. orig. p. W.) CHAPTER III. The particular Alphabets (or rather Cyphers) of tht seven most celebrated Philosophers. Section I. The alphabet of Hermes, (v. orig. p, 16.) [5] Section II. The alphabet of Cleomenes, (v. ork. p. 17.) , Section III. The alphabet of Plato, (v. ong, p. 18.) Seotion. IV. The alphabet of Pythagoras, (v. orig. p. 19.) Section V. The alphabet of Scalinus, (v. ong. p. £0.) Section VI. The alphabet of Socrates, (v. ong* p. SI.) Section VII. The alphabet of Aristotle, (v. orig. p. 22.) CHAPTER IV. Thefour-and-twenty Alphabets, (or rather Cyphers,) that were used after the seven preceding, hy the most celebrated Philosophers and learned Men. Section I. The alphabet of Belinos, the phi- losopher, (v. orig. p. 23.) Section II. Another Berrabian alphabet in- vented by the philosopher Soorid, (v. orig. p. 24.) Section III. The alphabet of the philosopher, Pherentius, who wrote therewith his philosophical books, (v. orig. p. 25*) [6] Section IV. The Moallak, or suspended 'al- phabet, invented by Ptolomythz Greek, (v. orig. p. 26.) Section V. The Marboot or connected alpha- bet, invented by Marconos? the philosopher. He wrote therewith books on talismans, (v. orig. p. 27.) Section VI. The Giorgian alphabet, invented by philosopher Marjanos, (v. orig. p. 28.) Section VII. The old Nabathean alphabet, (v. orig. p. 29.) Section VIII. The red alphabet, invented and used by the philosopher Magnis, (v. orig. p.30.) Section IX. The Talisman alphabet, invented by the Greek philosopher Ghdmighashir? (v. orig. p. 31.) Section X. The mysterious alphabet, invented by Heliaosh? the Greek philosopher, who used it in his books, (v. orig. p. 32) Section XL The alphabet of Costoodjis the Greek philosopher. He wrote in this alphabet, three hundred and sixty books on divinity, talis- mans, astrology, magic, influence of planets and fixed stars, and on the conjuration of spirits, (v. orig. p. 33.) Section XII. The alphabet of Hermes Abootat [ 7 ] the philosopher. He wrote on the noble art (of philosophical secrets.) He constructed in upper Egypt treasure chambers, and set up stones con- taining magic inscriptions, which he locked, and guarded by the charm of this alphabet, extracted from the regions of darkness, (v. orig. p. 34.) Section XIII. The alphabet of Golphotorios the philosopher. He was deeply learned in the knowledge of spirits and cabalistic spells, in talismans, astrological aspects, and in the magic and black art. Philosophers and learned men have used this alphabet in their books and writings in preference to others, on account of its different extraordinary qualities, (v. orig. p. 35>) Section XIV. The alphabet of Syourianos the philosopher, (y. orig. p. 36.) He wrote in this alphabet on astronomy, and the secrets of the stars; on talismans, and their qualities; on magic alarm-posts; on the effects of planet-rings; and on the invocation and conjuration of spirits. Section XV. The alphabet of Philaos the philosopher, (v. orig. p. 37.) He invented mira- culous fumigations, marvellous compounds, talis- mans, and astrological tables. He constructed the treasure-chambers in the pyramids, and guarded thepi with the charm of wonderful alarm-posts, CM Section XVI. The alphabet of Dioscorides the philosopher, commonly called the Tree al- phabet, (v. orig. p. 38.). He wrote on trees, shrubs, and herbs, and of their secret, useful, and noxious qualities in this alphabet, used since in their books by different philosophers. Section XVIL The Davidian alphabet, (v. orig. p. 38.) This alphabet was particularly used in India, and by many learned men in their writ- ings on medicine, philosophy, and politics. It is one of the most celebrated alphabets. Section XVIII. The alphabet of Democrates the philosopher, (v. orig. p. 40.) The Greek philosophers delighted verjr much in this alpha- bet, making use of it for the secrets and mysteries of their wisdom. They believed it to be the same with the Mercurial alphabet extracted from the regions of darkness. Section XIX. The alphabet of the Cophtic Egyptian philosophers, (v. orig. p, 41.) In this they noted their calculations and indications, and wrote the inscriptions on their treasuries, and the secrets of divinity. Kophtrim, one of Noah's de- scendants, invented this alphabet. It is even now used in calculation. Section XX. The Farganian alphabet, (v. [9] orig. p. 42.) It was invented by seven Roman philosophers, who wrote a great number of books on chymistry, magic, and medicine. Their prin- cipal was Diojdnes, the great Roman king. This alphabet was much celebrated in his time, but is now forgotten. Section XXL The alphabet of Zosimns, a Jew philosopher, (v. orig. p. 43.) This alphabet was very much refined by the Hebrew philoso- phers, who made use of it for writing their holy books deposited in Jerusalem. Section XXIL The alphabet of Marshol the philosopher, (v. orig. p. 44.) He was a wise and learned man, who wrote on different arts and sciences. Section XXIII. The alphabet of Arcadjinis the Greek philosopher, (v. orig. p. 45.) He in- vented a great number of wonderful compounds, fumigations, royal theriacs, medicines, and effec- tual remedies. Section XXIV. The alphabet of Plato the Greek philosopher, (v. orig. p. 46.) It is said that each letter of this alphabet had different im- ports, according to the affair and tiling treated of. [ 10] CHAPTER V. The Alphabets of the Seven Planets. Section I. The alphabet of Saturn, (v. orig. p. 47.) Section II. The alphabet o[ Jupiter, (v. orig. p. 48) Section III. The alphabet of Mars, or philo- sopher Behram, (v. orig. p. 49.) Section IV. The alphabet of the sun, the lord of heaven, (v. orig. p. 50.) "Section V. The alphabet of Venus, Anaitis, the celestial dancer, (v. orig. p. 51.) Section VI. The alphabet of Mercury or Hermes, the secretary of heaven, (v. orig, p. 52.) Section VII. The alphabet of the moon, (v. orig. p. 53.) CHAPTER VI. The Alphabets of the Twelve Constellations. Section I. The alphabet of Aries, under the influence of Mars, (v. orig. p. 54.) [»1 Section II. The alphabet of Taurus, under the influence of Venus; (v. orig. p. 55.) Section III. The alphabet of the Gemini, under the influence of Mercury, (v. orig. p. 66.) Section IV. The alphabet of Cancer, under the influence of the Moon, (v. orig. p. 57.) Section V. The alphabet of Leo, under the influence of the Sun, (v. orig. p. 58.) Section VI. The alphabet of the Virgin, in- fluenced by Mercury, (v. orig. p. 59.) Section VII. The alphabet of Libra, (v. orig. p. 60.) Section. VIII. The alphabet of Scorpio, (v. orig. p, 61.) This alphabet was very much used by the Chaldeans in their impressions on hidden treasures, and in their books and writings con- cerning the secret influence of the planet Mars. This alphabet was transmitted by spiritual inspi- ration through Marshimine to the soothsayer Arbiasios, the Nabathean* Section IX. The alphabet of Sagittarius, influenced by Jupitery (v. orig. p. 62.) Section X. The alphabet of Capricorn under the influence of Saturn, (v. orig, p. 63.) This alphabet was particularly appropriated to the use of the Babylonian and Persian philoso- phers, who kept it as a great secret. It was dis- [ 1* ] covered after their extinction in their books, car- ried away by the Greeks. The Egyptian philoso- phers used it afterwards in their astronomical works. Section XL The alphabet of the sign Aquarius, under the influence of Saturn^ (vl orig. p. 64.) It was particularly used by the Chaldeans and Sabeans in their incantation books, and also in their inscriptions relative to the science of spirits. Section. XII. The alphabet of Pisces, (v. • orig. p. 65.) CHAPTER VII. Alphabets of ancient Kings, viz: the Kings of Syria, the Hermesian Kings of Egypt, the Pharaohs, ike Canaanites, Curds, Casdanians, Persians and Cophts. Section I. The alphabet of king Berdois the Syrian, (v. orig. p. 6S.) In this alphabet he wrote all his books on the minutiae of divinity, and natural lav/. Section II. The alphabet of king Resiut, the Egyptian Pharaoh, (v. orig. p. 69.) He constructed wonderful talismans and magical alarm-posts. All of them in this ancient alphabet. [ 13 J Section III* The alphabet of king Kimas the Hermesian, (v; orig. p. 70.) He wrote two hun- dred books on astronomy, on the secrets of physic, and on the qualities of plants and minerals. Section IV. The alphabet of king Mehrarish^ (v. orig. p. 71.) He was a famous soothsayer, deeply experienced in philosophy and divinity. He wrote more than a thousand books on other sciences* Section V. The alphabet of king Taberinos the soothsayer, (v. orig, p. 72.) One of the alpha- bets used by the Pharaohs in their inscriptions. Section VI. The alphabet of king Diosmosy the Egyptian, (v. orig. p. 73.) He was one of the Pharaohs most renowned for made, talismans, and astrological tables. Section VII. The alphabet of king Berhemios the Egyptian, (v. 0rig. p. 74.) This is one of the oldest alphabets used by the magicians and Pha- raohs in Egypt; and it was transferred from these to the soothsayers of India and China. Section VIII. The alphabet of king Saaa, the soothsayer, (v. orig. p. 75.) He was one of the seven magicians, who were at the same time kings, doctors, soothsayers, magicians, and philosophers, C 14 ] who governed and cultivated Egypt, and built the great towns subsisting till this day. Section IX. The alphabet of king Belbeis* (v. orig. p. 76.) He built a town four farsangs long, full of admirable works, and wrote a great number of books in this alphabet. Section X. The alphabet of king Cophtrim, the Egyptian, (v. orig. p. 77.) He was a great master in the art of constructing talismans and admirable alarm-posts, treasure spells, and wonder- ful images. He wrote an Encyclopedia of all sciences in tin's alphabet. CHAPTER VIII. The Alphabets called Hermesian, viz. of the Disci- ples of Hermes, or the first dynasty of the Kings in Egypt, as we find them in the Writings of the Ancients. Every one of these kings invented, according * He was perhnps the founder of an old Egyptian town, near Belbeis, the ruins of which have been found by the French. See die first Volume of the Decade Egypticnne. [ 15 ] to his own genius and understanding, a particular alphabet, in order that none should know them but the sons of wisdom. Few, therefore, are found who understand them in our time. They took the figures of different instruments, trees, plants, quadrupeds, birds, or their parts, and of planets, and fixed stars. In this manner these hieroglyphical alphabets became innumerable, like the alphabets of the Indians and Chinese. They were not arranged at all in the order of our letters a, b, c, d, but they had proper characters agreed upon by the inventors of these alphabets, and which differed in their figure and order, viz. they expressed water by /VvW They understood the secrets of nature, and endeavoured to express every thing by an appropriate sign, so that they might express it by its appearance. Others followed the simple rules of geometry, deriving one alphabet from another, as the Coofic has been derived from the Syrian, the Hebrew from the Chaldean, the Latin from the Greek, and others, in this manner, from some original. Who- soever wishes to become acquainted with all the nice points of the knowledge of alphabets, may inquire for the book entitled Solution of Secrets and Key of Treasures by Jaber Hay an Essoofi, who [ 16] enters into all the necessary explanations and de- tails of this art. Our object is only to mention the most celebrated of these alphabets of the Hermesians, (or hieroglyphics,) and to indicate their particular qualities; for nobody is capable of giving a satisfactory explanation of them all. God directs all things for the best. Section I. Alphabet of the philosopher Homes the o;reat. This alphabet is used on the Obelisks, the Pyra- mids, the inscription tables and stones; the temples, and other old buildings, from the time of the first Pharaohs. It does not consist in a series of letters like other alphabets, but in expressions composed according to the arrangement made by Hermes the great. These expressions consist in innumera- ble figures and signs, which are to lead the mind directly, and immediately to the object expressed thereby, viz: there is a sign which signifies the name of God Almighty, simply and alone. If they wished to express one of the particular attri- butes of God they added something to the original sign, and proceded in this manner, as you will perceive by the alphabet in question. It is divided into three series, beside the celes- tial oi supernatural objects. Let us begin with the [ 17 ] celestial objects, and the figures by which they were expressed In the Hermesian language repre- sented as we have found them. • nnnra * is God, The Almighty. The All-Clement. The Avenger. The All-Powerful. The All-Merciful. The Nourishes M- R1>® •& 53 The Destroying. The Living. The Omniscient. Angel. • <§> * 0 • © • Devil. Sky. Star. Planet. Light. Darkness. World. Air. Cloud. Moon. «*"#•#• ©:.QZ! Saturn. Jupiter. Mars. Sun. Sun. [ 1» ] Venus. Mercuiy. Aries, Taurus. Gemini. Cancer. Leo. Virgo. Libra. Scorpio. Sagittarius. Capricorn. Aquarius. Pisces. Fire. avw\ . 6 . tS Water. Earth. The Four Elements* These are the figures of such of the celestial hieroglyphics, as we have been able to find and make out; and now we are going to represent the three other classes, according to promise, with all the different figures of the Hermesian alphabets, or hieroglyphics. [ 19] THE FIRST SERIES. Hieroglyphics to express Words relative to Animal Actions and Affections. Life. Death. Richness. Poverty. Man, Woman. i • $ • & ■ <* Physical Good. Physical Evil. Moral Good. Moral Evil. ^•UA' A -ft-1 Sin. Joy. Sorrow. Weeping. Intellects. • i • n .0 Spirit. Body. Motion. Rest Sleep. ^ • /vv\ • yjj • *J • = Being Awake. Stupidity. Sagacity. Action. Stroke. [20] 0 • Y • § • PI • tf Oblivion. Understanding. Humility. Will. Obedience. s • 01 • rfl • ISI Cunning. Violent death. Imprisonment. Secret. bd • M • ^1 • ® . n Hidden. Mad. Sick. Well. Strong. Offending. Cutting. Hangings * Time. Hour.. H • © . am . ^ . © Fortune. Science. Ignorance. Error. Truth. hnn 3 • ! • M • ts> False. Number. Geometry. Government. Destruction. > t • e • r Building. Stone. Tree. Jewel. Bone. [21 ] Horn. Blood. Phlegm. Choler, Bile. •(§)■• D • ^ • 5 .White. Redness. Blackness. Yellowness. Green. £ • □ • Extension. Narrowness. Injustice. Hostility. Theft. H-t •■ b^d • i-A Justice. Burning. Law and Order. Going in. Going out. P-Le Standing. Medicine, Remedy. Walking. Riding. Counsel. jtf * I • HI • 131 ■ • ^t Devotion. Prayer. Contrition. High Priest. Government. Pious. Wicked. Learned, Just. Philosophy. [28] Eloquence. Opposition, Falsehood. Secrets of Nature* "U ■* Q • 2 • -^ • K Casualties. Spiritual Secrets. Art. Weight. vv • mm mi) Astronomy. Talismans. Magic. Art of raising and conjuring Spirits.. v \ This figure is expressive of the most sublime r 23 ] secret, called originally Bahumed and Kharuj (or calf), viz. The Secret of the nature of the worlds or The Secret of Secrets', or The Beginning and Return of every thing. To speak at length of this figure, is more than the limit's of this book allow. We refer the curious, who wish for more explanation, to a book, which we have translated from our JVabathean lans;uao;e into Arabic, and entitled: Sun of Suns and Moon of Moons, illuminating the discovery of the Hermesian alphabets, or hieroglyphics, where he will be com- pletely satisfied. The Hermesians let nobody into the secrets of their knowledge but their disciples, lest the arts and sciences should be debased by being common amongst the vulgar. They hid therefore their secrets and treasures from them by the means of this alphabet, and by inscriptions, which could be read by nobody except the sons of wisdom and learning. These initiated scholars were divided into four classes. The first Class comprehended the sect of the Har&misaliAlhawmij>'ah>vi\\o were all descendants of Hermes the Great. They married daughters of their own race only, and never were allowed to have any kind of intercouse with strangers. No [24 ] man in the world was acquainted with any of their secrets: they alone possessed them. They were the authors of the books commonly called the books of Edris (Enoch). They constructed temples dedicated to spirits, and buildings of magical wis- dom. The few of those, who in our time are ac- quainted with this knowledge, live retired in some islands near the frontiers of China, and continue to tread the steps of their forefathers." The second class of the Hermesians, called Ha- ramisah Alpinawaluziyahi the sons of the brother of Hermes, whose name was Asclibianos. They mar- ried within their own families only, and far from giving their countrymen any kind of trouble, they became necessary to them in all their business. The difference between them and the former con- sisted in the use of perfumes allowed to them, and in the liberty they enjoyed to see their relations at the entrance of the sun into the several signs of the zodiac, and at the commencement of each sea- son. On the latter occasion they had a feast of seven days. TlieAlhawni/ah, on the contrary, were * Perhaps the Brahmans may be here alluded to as the followers of the Hermesian philosophy. On the intercourse between India, Egypt, and China, see Sir William Jones's Annual Discourses in the Asiatic Researches, f*5 ] continually occupied with reading the holy books, with acts of devotion, and with fasting. They had only one feast in the year, lasting eight and twenty days (a month), beginning at the entrance of the sun into the sign Aries. At this time they approached their relations, and enjoyed perfumes and other pleasures of life. They confessed the unity of God the Creator of all things. Blessed be his Name! They never communicated their secrets, and Hermetic treasures to any body, but they pre- served them from generation to generation, till our days. When a child was born to them, the mother took it to the priest of the temple, where trial of the children used to be made. She laid it down on the threshold of the temple without speaking a word. The priest then came with a golden cup full of water in his hands, accompanied by six other priests. He said prayers, and sprinkled water over the child. If it moved, and turned its face towards the threshold, the priest took it by the hand, and conducted it into the interior of the temple, where there was a coffin prepared on pur- pose. There they said prayers and performed ceremonies for an hour. Then the priest covered the face of the child with a silk handkerchief; a H [«6] green one for girls, and a red one for boys; put it in the coffin, shut it up, and took in his hand a stick with three heads made of silver, and set with jewels and precious stones. The father, mother, and relations of the1 child entered at this moment, and performed prayers and hymns in humble devotion. The priest then struck the coffin with his staff thrice, and cried out: " In the name of the Lord thy God who "created and made thee, exist by his wisdom, "speak out the inmost secrets of the events of thy 44 life! Amen, Amen, for ever and ever!" The whole assembly performed seven adorations, and then stood up. The child said, "Health and "heaven's blessing to thee!'* The priest returned his greetings, and said" What is thy name? In <; what consists thy sacrifice, and what means of "subsistence dost thou desire? At what hour hast "thou been adorned with this noble body, and these "gracious features, (i. e. when wert thou born?) "Art thou to remain here as thy brethren, or art "thou merely a travelling guest? I ask thee'in "the name of God, the all-vivifying, the un- u changeable, the eternal One, without end or "beginning, in whose power are all things visible "and invisible, the Lord of heaven and earth, the [27 ] "most High and supreme Being; and I conjure i; thee to answer and promise, that as long as thou "shalt exist in this world, thou wilt never reveal "our secrets to any stranger.'* Tne child promised it in the name of truth, which is written on the table existing from the beginning of tilings, in the table of Fate preserved in heaven. The child was then told, that he was received amongst the number of the wise and learned, the sons of science; or amongst the mas- ters of mechanical arts and works. They con- versed with him on every subject. They put him different questions, and heard his answers. A priest standing by noted the answers on a table of stone, and hung it up in the temple. After this, they called the child, opened the coffin, purified it with fumigations, and performed a sacrifice consisting of a quadruped, or a bird. They burnt the blood shed, purified the body, and wrapt it up in a piece of fine white linen an hun- dred and twenty fold for a male, and sixty for a female. They put it into a pot of earth, and depo- sited it in the pit of sacrifices. All this was per- formed according to secret rites known to nobody but themselves. The coffin mentioned was made in the shape of [28 ] a little chest, of the length of the child, made of olive wood, and adorned with gold and precious stones. If the child happened afterwards to men- tion this mysterious reception, they rejected it, saying, " This child cannot be trusted with our c< secrets and mysteries, for it may betray them." They afterwards brought forward some fault on which they grounded their exclusion. If the ini- tiated person had already grown up, and wished to withdraw from their order, he was sure to die within three days. One of their greatest seciets was involved in the sacrifice of their great feast. They took seven bulls and seven rams, and fed them with certain herbs, called Hashishat uz Zohrah and Tajulmalik and in their language Shikrck, during seven clays, and gave them purified water to drink. The seventh day of the week they decked them out with gold and jewels, and bound them in golden chains. The priests sung prayers, hymns, and psalms in the great temple. The people arranged in their different classes, worshipped God. The chief of the sacrificers advanced then, and made with the triple staff' a sign to the bulls and rams, which, without any other action or impulse, were thereby delivered from their chains, advanced, and [59] voluntarily stretched out their necks towards the sacrificer, who immolated them. The heads of the victims were put in the coffin, and the rest of their bodies embalmed with different kinds of drugs, as aloes, amber, musk, camphor, and, sto- rox, and the great prayer began. Every priest appeared in the dress of his class, reading the holy books. They prostrated them- selves to the earth, remaining thus for a whole hour, and after they had raised their heads, the first of the sacrificers began to speak on all the events to be divined from this. He was followed by the second and third, and so on till the last. One of the priests wrote down every speech, the results of which they compared. As they practised different rites, the real im- port and meaning of which nobody could tell but themselves; and all this proves sufficiently the great care with which they kept their secrets hidden. They said, " These things are come down from our father Adam, Seili, and Hermes, or Edris (Enoch), the triple." There were sundry other par- ticulars worthy to be mentioned; but we will not exceed the bounds of our expressed purpose. The third class was called Ashrakiyun (Eastern), or the children of the sister of Hermes, who is [30 ] known amongst the Creek by the name of Tris- megistos Thoosdios. This class was intermixed with some strangers and profane, who found means to get hold of the expressions of their hearts. Their sciences and knowledge are come down to us. The fourth class, denominated Mashawnn, (walkers) or peripatetic philosophers), was formed by the strangers, who found means to mingle with the children and family of Hermes. They were the first who introduced the worship of the stars and constellations, and who forsook the worship of the God of Gods. (Be his glory exalted—there is no other God but him !) From hence came their divisions, and every thing that has been handed down to us, proceeds originally from these two sects, the Ashrakiyun, eastern, and Mashdwiuij peripatetic philosophers. Learn then, O reader! the secrets, mysteries, and treasures of the Hieroglyphics, not to be found, and not to be discovered any where else. For- merly a knowledge of them could not be acquired but by immense pains and expense, by a great number of years, and a long course of travels, and now lo! these treasures afe laid open for thy en- jo yriietit. Take'possession of them, keep and guard them with the utmost care and secrecy. Pro- t si ] foundly learned philosophers and curious students only have attained this knowledge. Let us now proceed to explain the hieroglyphics promised above. SECOND SERIES. Hieroglyphics significant of Words relating to Trees and Plantsy and their Produce. ^ . y . °^°. \j/. Tree. Vine. Palm Tree. Fruit Tree. Wild Tree. 7wwv\| . ^ 'Hp • AVWW\ Plants. Pot Herbs. Grass, Herbs. Poisonous Plants. Medical Plants. Olive Tree. The Lote Tree. \*> • |zl • Ki! • -T- • •©> Mallows. Barley. Corn. Leaf. Flower. • 3 • $-u • V Boot. Rose. Lint. Tamarisk. Mandragora. t 33 ] Cypress. Nut Tree. Fruit. Fruit. Peach. Grape. Pomegranate, Quince. Odoriferous Herbs. n • 1 • ^ •o-o • ^ Basilicon. Ear of Corn, Melilot. Cloves. Indian Aloe. Spikenard. w • 41 ■ ¥ • § • fl Endive. Lentil. Oil of Plants. Cinnamon. S • E3 - 11 • rri A species of Aloe Bezoar. Balsam. Teriac. called Ud-ul-Bark. ^ . IP. ^. ^. £ Medicine, Remedy. Compound. Hot. Cold. Wet. ^•tf •■£ -^ •• £ Storax. Frankincense. Civet. Musk. Amber. • T@r-.i2i •ir-tf tL Laudanum. Pitch. Naptha. Manna. Hasak. A. A ^^ AAA V MA Mumiyd, viz. Sweet Marjoram.? Gh&rikuiu A. the drugs used for embalming. f ■. V . q . A • c? Rue# ? Onion. Linseed. Cotton. [35 ] e • y • w. s Silk. Zaxomir&n. A. Swallow Wort. Sugar, An Herb. [UAAAAJl • # . H . X Sikar&n. A, Klwlanj&n. A, Camomile. Kantariyim. A. B> Galingale. AAA AAA M&zariyfai. A. A Kind of Berry. A. Now we Lave to mention, if it pleases God, the hieroglyphieal figures for minerals, or the Third Series of Hieroglyphics. The philosopher Dusham mentions these signs in his book on the qualities oj planets and minerals. He used this alphabet to design their secret qua- lities. Learn it, and keep it well, O reader, for it is one of the profoundest secrets. [S6] THE FOURTH SERIES. Hieroglyphics expressive of Words and Ideas belonging to Mineral^ O-M-A A Mine. Gold. Silver. Stone. Jewel. E •©•■*• 9 Serpentine Stone, Quicksilver. Crystal, Brass. Magnesia. Marcasite. Gold Marcasite. Bropze. Talc. Tutty. Cinnabar. Mineral Water. Antimony. M • A • °—° - 'ZY? - rLT^ Lead. Masnet. Powder. Iron, Pure Iron. i—m mm (X JO Borax. Clay. Burnt Clay. Chalks Ashes. r S7 ] White Lea$« Salb. A. Banydh#%. A. Calcined Iron. ^ • i .*. i Alkali. Bdruk. A. Allum. Natron. Verdigrease. ^ • X • Jn • nm Fire Stone. Talc. Titiir. A. Tin. n - in- • c: • ][ Balkhash. A. Turkois. Green Vitriol. Borax. Unrefined Borax. Onyx. Ruby. Lapis Lazuli. Emerald. ♦ . ttt • K • V • ^ Kadtin. A. Cornelian. Coral. Nurah. A. Sal Ammoniac. Coal. Orpiment; Arsenic. Red Orpiment. Red Clay. t 88 ] White Clay. Rahaj-6sfar. A. Glass. Hajar Jabasin. A. A Species of Green Stone. Sulphur. Sakhar. A. A Yellow Stone. Kham&hdn. A. A Kind of Emerald. Agate. A Green Stone. Adamantiue Spar. Sawdn. A. SMzanah. A. Serpent Stone, i • ^ • ^ • 1 Bitumen. Diamond. A Censer. Iron chain. \ * y A Transparent Cutting of Solution of Trituration of Stone. Stones. Stones. Stones. W • <=> • Ae • t ' O Engraving Hajar-us- A Kind of A Snail Shell. Hajar of Stones. sabaj. A. Shell. Hindi. A, ^ . ^.^ . ^ [39] • 1 • @ *' % Hajar-ur-rahd. A. Hajar-ur- Hajar-ul-md* A. Coals. rakhxoct. A, • <&* • ^ • (H Crucible. Artificial Well. Khdrsini. A. Fixed Quicksilver. M • ft • ^ Trituration of Stones. Composition of Stones. Marble Stone. Calcination of Stones. Bezoar. Silver Magnet. Blood Stone. Hajar*ul-Khattdf. A. Rain Stone. Rock Salt, Naptha Stone. Hail? • 1 • t& Kaisur.A. liajar samdwi. A. Serpentine Stone. Collyrium. A • * • /IJ Asmad. A. Instrument for Breaking and A Pestle and Cutting, Cleaving. Mortar. {40 ] rtii ,1 a Kitabat-ul-Hajar. A. Water springing Stereometry particularly from the Rock. applied to Stone. And liere end idie figures of the hieroglyphics, which we have found, and can make out. We have mentioned only those we are certain of? but these we know to be exact and right. Per- haps every one of these figures may have had more than one signification, according to the different classes of priests, who wishing to hide their secrets one from the dther. eaVe their sie;ns different meanings. God is the leader to the best. [41 ] APPENDIX. Antidiluvian Alphabets preserved by the Nabalheans> Ghaldeans, and Sabeans. X he first called the Shishim alphabet, was used for writing sentences of wisdom on clay, which being burnt became pottery (v. orig. p. 114-) The following alphabet was also used by the Pharaohs, who convinced of its being an antidilu- vian one, used to write with it the books of prayer and liturgies, which they used in their temples before their gods. I have myself seen in Upper Egypt, inscription tables and stones engraved with this alphabet. The Pharaohs firmly believed in its antiquity, and the Nabatheans and Chaldeans continued in the same opinion (v. orig. p. 115.) The original alphabets, from which all other ancient and modern ones have been derived, are no more than three. C 42 ] 1. The old Syrian alphabet, or the first original divine alphabet, taught by God the Almighty to Adam. S>. The Celestial alphabet, or the alphabet in which the books which Seth (health be with him) received from heaven were written. 3 The alphabet of Enoch brought down by the angel Gabriel. This opinion is generally received and agreed upon by different nations and sects. Chanukha has confirmed the truth in his books. Agathodaimon is of the same opinion in his book on secret things'. He says, that all divine (inspired) legislators have preserved their secrets in one of these three alphabets. The indication of this great man was our guide, we have collected and copied these alphabets, according to his opinions and belief. Pay attention, in order that thou mayst walk in the right path. The Syrian alphabet had, according to the opinion of the most learned men> the following characters (v. orig. p. 117). These, however, were the figures of the letters in the earliest ages, which were changed by time, as you may perceive (v. orig. p, 118). This is the alphabet in which Adam (peace be [43] with him) wrote his books. Who says the coa~ trary says falsehood, and God knows the best. On the Shimshim Alphabet. It was inspired by divine revelation, and varied in four different manners by the people who used it, viz. the HennesianS) the JVabatheans, the Sabeans, and Chaldeans, These are the four most ancient people, from whom all modern nations have deri- ved their writing;. *»• The characters of the Hermesians, with the par- ticular names and powers of their letters. Character. Name. Power. AJ^^ Afhum A. i Yawuk I or Y. V Ka-a K hard. in t GhiwcL Gh. i Bidam B. [« ] Character. Name. Power. n Kaghach K soft. ^ Run R. i Jahum J English. 7k Shd Sh ditto. t Danaz D. 1 Mayib M, <2 Tanras T. * Hin H sofu LJ N. ■ ■■ Thanad Th in Think. Q Wu Awd W, U. [45] Character. Name. Power. 4 Saparam s. \. Khayuri Kh, Zid Z. P Lughaf u Y Aay Zayum (t)A- 00 Z- f Sikam W • m Zalap z. o Takar WT. ■ Irwin Hisat H / ft A man of perfect wisdom and understanding, accomplished in all his ways, and without the least blame, was painted with a beautiful face, with wings like an angel, holding in his hands a book, in which he looked, a sword and a balance, and be- hind him two vases, one of them full of water, and the other of blazing fire. Under his right foot a ball, with a crab painted on it, and under his left a deep pot full of serpents, scorpions, and diffe- rent reptiles, the covering of which had the shape of an eagle's head. See, my son! these are the secrets of these people, with which nobody was acquainted but themselves. I have seen, in one of the hierogly- phical buildings in Upper Egypt, the represen- tation I am going to describe. [50] This building was a temple of the Lord Adonai, whom sun and moon serve. It represented a coffin, adorned with curious figures and admirable orna- ments. A vine growing, with its leaves spread over it. The Lord (God) was standing upon the coffin, with a staff in his hand, out of the end of which a tree shot forth and overshadowed it. Behind the coffin was seen a pit full of blazing fire, and four angels catching serpents, scorpions, and other noxious reptiles, throwing them into it. On his head a crown of glory; on his right the sun, and on his left the moon, and in his hand a rino-. wltli the twelve signs of the zodiac. Before the coffin, an olive tree sprouted forth, under the branches of which^different kind of animals were collected. On the left, and a little further back, a hio-h mountain was seen, with seven golden towers sup- porting the sky. A hand stretched forth from this sky, poured out light, and pointed with his finders to the olive tree. There was also the figure of a man, whose head was in the sky, and whose feet were on the earth. His hands and feet were bound. Before the Lord stood seven censers, two pots, a vase filled with perfumes, spices, and a bottle with a long neck (retort), containing storax. The hieroglyphic representing day, was under his [51 J right foot, and the hieroglyphic representing night, under his left Before the Lord was laid, on a high desk, the book- of universal nature, where- on a representation and names of the planets, the constellations, the stations, and every thing that is found in the highest heaven, was painted. There was also an urn filled half with earth and half with sand, (viz. the hieroglyphics of earth and sand being represented therein). A suspended ever- burning lamp, dates, olives, and in a vase of emerald. A table of black bazalt with seven lines, the four elements, the figure of a man carrying away a dead body, and a dog upon a lion. These, O brother, are the mysterious keys to the treasures of secrets, of ancient and modern knowledge. The wise may guess the whole from a part. It is impossible to embrace here the whole extent of this knowledge. We have here stated the ground of the business, giving the representation of things in general, their ends, courses, move- ments, turns, and returns, so that thou mightest easily and by degrees distinguish the one from the other, and at last become master of all the secrets of the world. These hints are sufficient for him >vho has organs, and an understanding heart. [52] Here follows^ one of the hidden alphabets above mentioned (see orig. p. 129). The next following alphabet was used by the Sabeans in their talismans, magical alarm-posts, and astrological conjuration tables. Agathodaimon says, that it is from this source he drew the art of his talismans, in which he is un- paralleled among either ancients or moderns* Learn, therefore, and comprehend this alphabet, (see orig. p. 130.) The Chaldeans were the wisest men of their times, being well acquainted with every science and art. Their first equals and rivals were the Curds. But, however, there is as great a difference between these two nations, as between a glow worm and a fixed star* The first superiority the Curds had over them, was in agriculture and botany. They pretended to descend from the sons of Bine- shad) and to have got possession of the books of Adam on agriculture, and of the books of Safrith and CooihamL They pretended to have all the seven antediluvian books inspired by heaven. They pretended to possess the art of magic and * Being impossible to render in English the likeness of sounds between turab and thura, it has been thought proper to translate glow-worm and fixed star, instead of dust and Pkiades, [53 ] talismans, but this is not so; for all these sciences were handed down to them from the Chaldeans, who first cultivated them. This pretension to the antiquity of their learning, is the reason of the inveterate hatred between the Chaldeans and Curds. The oldest Chaldean alphabet (see orig. p. 132). Another Chaldean alphabet (see orig. p. 133). Another old unknown alphabet (see orig. p. 134). This the Curds falsely pretend to be the alpha- bet, in which Binushad and Mdssi Surali composed all their scientific and mechanical works. We are ignorant to what alphabet these letters belong, as we never could make out the language which they express; but I saw at Bagdad, thirty- three inscriptions written in this alphabet. During my stay at Damascus, I met with two books, one of them on the culture of the vine and the palm tree, the other on water, and the means of find- ing it out in unknown ground, I translated them both from the Curdic language into Arabic, for the benefit of mankind. This is the reason this treatise was not finished before. I finished it at last, with Heaven's assistance, after one and twenty years, and have, by the grace of God, attained the object proposed. I deposited it in the treasury of [54] the Calif Abd-uUmalik bin Marwan: be his reign glorious, and may he be the everlasting column of the faith! Tuesday, the third of the month of Ramazan, in the year two hundred and forty-one after the Hijralu Praised be God! The first copy of the manuscript before us, was taken from the original by Hasan Bin Faraj, Bin Alii Bin Dawnd, Bin Sinon, Bin Thabat, Bin Karra al Harrani, Al Babali, An JVukani, Tuesday the seventh of the month of Rabi-id akhir, in the year four hundred and thirteen of the Hijrah; and this copy (the one from which this was printed), which was made from it, was begun Monday the second of the month of Muharram, in the year of the Hijrah, one thousand, one hundred, and sixty-six. And it was finished on Friday, the tenth of the month of Jamadi id Akhir, of the same year. FINIS, printed by W. Buhner and Co. Cleveland-ro\v, aJjXso \ jy*j •^l ^ ^j^ :yg$\ A>Xb *^l£/^ A^ V a *M {M\ lifUC J . 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