Theorem 18,Monas Hieroglyphica (1564). This theorem is one of 24 contained in the work Monas Hieroglyphica by Welsh astrologer John Dee (1527-1608). An example of western Hermeticism and written in a mystical state,it revealed esoteric secrets in astronomy,alchemy,music,mathematics,linguistics,mechanics,and optics. Theorem 18 (half shown here,see also C015/4313) is presented as a riddle,with the diagram showing symbols (including the Moon and Sun and planets) within a spiral that starts with Saturn and ends with the Sun. The accompanying text refers to the fable of the eagle and the scarab beetle |