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The Four Seasons Spring Summer Autumn Winter

The Ages of Man Childhood Youth Maturity Age
The Stages of Existence Birth Growth Maturity Decay
The Parts of Man's Spirit Soul Mind Body
Constitution

The Four Elements Air Fire Water Earth

One more table should prove of interest to Masonic scholars: one showing the
relationship existing between the three substances, salt, sulphur, and mercury, and certain
symbols with which Masons are familiar. This table also has an alternative rendering,
based on the interblending of philosophic principles, which are difficult--if not
impossible--to separate into chronological order.

1. The Three Lights Stellar Fire Solar Fire Lunar Fire
2. The Three Grand Hiram Solomon Hiram of Tyre
Masters
3. The Geometric Solids Sphere Pyramid Cube
4. Alchemical Substances Mercury Sulphur Salt

The alternative rendering of No. 2 is:

2. The Three Grand Solomon Hiram Hiram of Tyre
Masters

In alchemy is found again the perpetuation of the Universal Mystery; for as surely as
Jesus died upon the cross, Hiram (CHiram) at the west gate of the Temple, Orpheus on
the banks of the river Hebros, Christna on the banks of the Ganges, and Osiris in the
coffin prepared by Typhon, so in alchemy, unless the elements first die, the Great Work
cannot be achieved. The stages of the alchemical processes can be traced in the lives and
activities of nearly all the world Saviors and teachers, and also among the mythologies of
several nations. It is said in the Bible that "except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God." In alchemy it is declared that without putrefaction the Great Work
cannot be accomplished. What is it that dies on the cross, is buried in the tomb of the
Mysteries, and that dies also in the retort and becomes black with putrefaction? Also,
what is it that does this same thing in the nature of man, that he may rise again, phœnix-
like, from his own ashes (caput mortuum)?

The solution in the alchemical retort, if digested a certain length of time, will turn into a
red elixir, which is called the universal medicine. It resembles a fiery water and is
luminous in the dark. During the process of digestion it passes through many colors
which has given rise to its being called the peacock because of its iridescence during one
of the periods of its digestion. If the augmentations of its power be carried too far, the test
tube containing the substance will explode and vanish as dust. This commonly occurs and
is the greatest danger involved in the preparation of the medicine for men and metals. If