Explore the Source Library
Rare texts are preserved and made accessible through high-quality scans, OCR, and translation.
Featured Books
These featured works reveal hidden currents of wisdom, from Renaissance Hermeticism to global esoteric traditions.
De Mysteriis
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.
Kavyamimansa
A foundational Sanskrit text on poetics, offering sharp reflections on the nature of poetry, criticism, and literary creation within the medieval Indian tradition.
Biological Leaflets
Concise pamphlets examining natural history and biological observations in an accessible format.
Historia: von dem Leben und Wandel der heyligen Barlaam dess Einsidels, unnd Josaphat dess König in Indien Sohn
A German retelling of Barlaam and Josaphat. Josaphat, an Indian prince, is sheltered by his pagan father to prevent his conversion to Christianity.
Freshly Digitised & Translated Texts
De Mysteriis
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.
Open BookKavyamimansa
A foundational Sanskrit text on poetics, offering sharp reflections on the nature of poetry, criticism, and literary creation within the medieval Indian tradition.
Open BookBiological Leaflets
Concise pamphlets examining natural history and biological observations in an accessible format.
Open BookHistoria: von dem Leben und Wandel der heyligen Barlaam dess Einsidels, unnd Josaphat dess König in Indien Sohn
A German retelling of Barlaam and Josaphat. Josaphat, an Indian prince, is sheltered by his pagan father to prevent his conversion to Christianity.
Open Book
Tractatus Two. On the Nature of the Elements. On the Fifth Essence
A probing inquiry into the classical elements and the elusive quinta essentia, merging mechanical insight with alchemical speculation.
Open Book
On Presages, Divination, and Astrological and Astronomical
Writings explore cosmic influences on earth, interpreting natural omens, celestial patterns, and divine signs to predict events, blending astrology and divination with spiritual insight.
Open Book
Novum lumen chymicum
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.
Open BookThe 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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