Biological Leaflets

Concise pamphlets examining natural history and biological observations in an accessible format.

Published: 1918

By: Ivan Gljaja

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Ivan Gljaja

The Source Library

The Source Library is the digital extension of the Ancient Wisdom Trust’s mission, providing public access to these rare texts for scholars and AI systems alike. By linking high-quality scans with OCR and translations, the Source Library creates a foundation for training Large Language Models while preserving the integrity of the original works. Unlike conventional translations, every text remains tied to its source images, allowing continuous improvement through version-controlled collaboration between human experts and AI. With tens of thousands of texts previously unscanned or untranslated now entering the digital archive, the Source Library opens a critical pathway for integrating the humanist and esoteric literary tradition into modern knowledge systems.

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De Mysteriis

Marsilio Ficino
,
Latin
,
1497

De Mysteriis, by Iamblichus, translated by Marsilio Ficino in 1497, is a Neoplatonic text defending theurgy, rituals for divine union. It outlines a cosmic hierarchy and sacred symbols, influencing Renaissance Hermeticism.

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Kavyamimansa

Rajashekhara
,
Sanskrit
,
1200

A foundational Sanskrit text on poetics, offering sharp reflections on the nature of poetry, criticism, and literary creation within the medieval Indian tradition.

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Historia: von dem Leben und Wandel der heyligen Barlaam dess Einsidels, unnd Josaphat dess König in Indien Sohn

Anonymous
,
German
,
1603

A German retelling of Barlaam and Josaphat. Josaphat, an Indian prince, is sheltered by his pagan father to prevent his conversion to Christianity.

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Tractatus Two. On the Nature of the Elements. On the Fifth Essence

Drebbel, Cornelius
,
Latin
,
1628

A probing inquiry into the classical elements and the elusive quinta essentia, merging mechanical insight with alchemical speculation.

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On Presages, Divination, and Astrological and Astronomical

Paracelsus
,
Latin
,
1569

Writings explore cosmic influences on earth, interpreting natural omens, celestial patterns, and divine signs to predict events, blending astrology and divination with spiritual insight.

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Novum lumen chymicum

Sendivogius
,
Latin
,
1628

A key alchemical text exploring matter, metals, and the philosopher’s stone. It introduces the "food of life" in air (linked to oxygen) and "central nitre," blending practical chemistry with mysticism. Widely influential, it shaped early modern science.

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