The final chapter of the Italian life of Cagliostro, which appeared before the death of its subject, contains a curious and interesting account under the above title. The lodge was situated in the quarter of the city called the Holy Trinity of the Mountain. It was visited on the night of Cagliostro’s capture, but the members had been evidently forewarned; they had taken precautions as to their personal safety, had removed the symbols of their craft and the greater part of their books and papers, which perhaps, says the writer, contained secrets of great importance. The Inquisition claims to have a true insight, notwithstanding, into the origin, establishment, and other particulars of this lodge, drawn in part from the depositions of “a multitude of well-informed persons.”
The founders were seven in number, five Frenchmen, an American, and a Pole, all of whom had been previously initiated into other lodges. It assumed the title of the Lodge of the Reunion of True Friends, and the first meeting took place on November 1, 1787. Proselytes were immediately made, and included candidates who had not been received into any other society. Its numbers rapidly increased, and to establish it with all the necessary formalities approbation was procured from the Mother Lodge at Paris, and a deputy was sent to reside in that city as its representative. Its letters were transported by special messengers. Mention is made in the register of archives kept under three locks, in which the statutes, the mysteries, and the symbols transmitted from Paris were preserved, with all the most interesting speeches delivered within the lodge. However, the Egyptian lodge is affirmed to have been in this instance devoid of special characteristics. The list of its officers was as follows:—
- The Venerable, or Grand Master.
- The Superintendent, or Deputy Grand Master.
- The Terrible.
- The Master of the Ceremonies.
- The Treasurer.
- The Almoner.
- The Secretary.
- The Orator, or Export Broker.
The entire Lodge was composed of two chambers, or halls. The first was called the Chamber of Reflections. A death’s head was placed on a table, and above it were two inscriptions in French, which contained an arcane significance. The second apartment was called the Temple; it was adorned according to the various rites performed in it. On all occasions it was provided with a throne, on which the Venerable constantly sat. Some emblems of masonry adorned the walls—among them were the sun, moon, and planets. On the two sides of the throne several magnificent pillars were placed, and opposite to these the brotherhood were arranged in order, each of them wearing his leathern apron, and a black ribbon in the form of a deacon’s stole about his neck, while in his hands, which were covered with a pair of white gloves, he brandished a naked sword, a hammer, or a compass, according to the different formalities prescribed by the institution.
With the secret signs and passports, the Inquisition does not seem to have been acquainted.
INDEX.
- Abraham the Jew, [99]
- Adfar, an Arabian adept of Alexandria, [53]
- Alain of Lisle, [67]
- Albertus Magnus, [57]
- Alcahest, [157]
- Alchemy—Diversity of opinion on the object of alchemical science, [9];
- the avowed object, [10];
- the aim said to be concealed, [11];
- symbolism of the science, [11];
- distinction between alchemy and chemistry, [21];
- alchemy as a factor in the progress of the physical sciences, [27];
- physical nature of the alchemical aim established by the lives and writings of the adepts, [29];
- side issues of alchemical theories, [32];
- application of alchemy to the extension of life, [65];
- modification of the human body by alchemy, [65];
- alchemy the science of the four elements, [93];
- the Seal of God set on the secret of alchemy, [165]
- Alfarabi, [48]
- Alipili, [22], [23]
- Altotas, [221], [234]
- Ancient War of the Knights, [43]
- Anima Magica Abscondita, [21]
- Anonymous adept, [184]
- Antimony, Basil Valentine’s preparation for the study of, [17];
- the Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, [121]
- Aphrodite Urania, [37]
- Apono, Peter d’, [88]
- Aquinas, St Thomas, [61]
- Argent Vive—Reduction of metals into sophic Argent Vive, [87];
- the Medicine of all Metals, [90];
- the first thing to be ascertained in alchemy is the significance of this term, [92]
- Arnold de Villanova, [88]
- Ars Lulliana, [68]
- Avicenna, [51]
- Azoth, or The Star in the East, a forthcoming work on the psychic potencies which enter into the higher act of transmutation, on the mysteries of spiritual chemistry, and on the possibilities of practical transcendentalism, [37]
- Bacon, Roger, [63]
- Balsamo, Joseph, Travels, Adventures, and Imprisonments, [220]
- Basil, Valentine, [120]
- Belin, Albert, [186]
- Berigard of Pisa, [148]
- Bird, William, unknown adept, [150]
- Böhme, Jacob, [161]
- Bono, Peter, [118]
- Borri, Guiseppe Francesco, [208]
- Botticher, John Frederich, neophyte, [212]
- Braccesco, Giovanni, [151]
- Busardier, unknown adept, [182]
- Butler, [168]
- Cagliostro, Count Allesandro, name assumed by Balsamo, [230]
- Calcination, an alchemical process, [13], [19]
- Canons of Espagnet, [19]
- Charnock, Thomas, [148]
- Chemistry, said to have no connection with alchemy, [14];
- distinction between alchemy and chemistry, [21], [25];
- a counter view, [44]
- Contemplation, a preparation for alchemical practices, [18]
- Cremer, John, pseudo-abbot of Westminster, [83]