chain and the s.s.-form a third, the grape cluster. In the following chapter further examples will be given of this Rosicrucian art of combining two or three symbols into the form of a third.

The inscriptions which occur with such curious variations do not appear to be in any known European language. They are certainly neither English nor Dutch; in fact, so incomprehensible are they that it is doubtful whether they are not the initial letters of certain mystic phrases or sentences. Sometimes they occur beneath devices; at other times merely inclosed in a cartouche, such as fig. 21. What is it possible to make of such a cabalistic jumble as this? In addition to hearts, small circles are to be found interjected, and likewise stars. The star appears to have served as a symbol of the soul. "Thou hast a starre o' man within thee, exceeding these in all these things-that soule of thine." 1 The commonest forms of inscription are DVAVLEGEAD, DVAVLEGARD, DVAVLEGEARD, MIOVSPI, ICO, ICONARD, RCONARD, RCONANCIN, PHO, PHOMO, PMAVDVIT, IDVRAN, etc.; but in addition to these there are innumerable others, many consisting entirely of consonants. They are obviously not the names of paper makers, nor do any two seem to be exactly alike.

In the centre of fig. 18 two fish may be noticed. This is a very ancient religious symbol, and would probably appeal strongly to lovers of anagram, enigma and mystery. The letters of the Greek word for fish (IXOTE), give the initials of the words of the sentence (Ι)ησοῦς (Χ)ριστός (Θεοῦ (Υ)ιός (Σωτήρ-Jesus Christ

Son of God Saviour.

CHAPTER II

PRINTERS' HIEROGLYPHICS

"But may they not say it is chance that doth this?" "... These fears of yours seem to us to savour utterly of imagination. . . . A lover of learning may everywhere observe indications, outlines, indexes and, in short, a whole bookful of methods and processes which, from the beginning to the end, are absolutely without change."-FRANCIS BACON, Word Cipher, P. 31.

"I might not this believe without the sensible and true avouch of mine own eyes.”—SHAKESPEARE.

N addition to finding Rosicrucian symbols water

I

marked into the paper of their publications, we

likewise find them woven with subtle ingenuity into the letterpress, by means of what are known today as printers' "Flowers." These "flowers"-the use of which has practically died out-were, in all probability, originated for a special purpose by that great literary league whose operations are beginning to come to the light. In 1771 a standard writer on the art of printing laments the fact that "flowers are falling into disuse, owing to the printers not