Herbert Silberer - Hidden Symbolism of Alchemy and the Occult Arts

Prominent among the stones of a fireplace in mycountry den, one large rounded giant stands out. Itwas bourne by the glacial streams from a morenorthern resting place and is marked by a fossil ofa mollusk that inhabited northern seas many millionyears ago. Yet in spite of the eons of time thathave passed it can be compared with specimens ofmollusks that live to-day. Down through the countlesscenturies the living stream has carved its structuralhabitations in much the same form. The scienceof Paleontology has collected this history andhas attempted a reconstruction of life from its beginnings.

The same principle here illustrated is true for thethought-life of mankind. The forms in which ithas been preserved however are not so evident.The structuralizations are not so definite. Ifthey were, evolution would not have been possiblefor the living stream of energy which is utilized bymind-stuff cannot be confined if it would advance tomore complex integrations. Hence the products ofmind in evolution are more plasticmore subtle [pg iv] and more changing. They are to be found in themyths and the folk-lore of ancient peoples, thepoetry, dramatic art, and the language of later races.From age to age however the strivings continue thesame. The living vessels must continue and theproducts express the most fundamental strivings, invarying though related forms.

We thus arrive at a science which may be calledpaleo-psychology. Its fossils are the thought-formsthroughout the ages, and such a science seeks to showfundamental likenesses behind the more superficialdissimilarities.

The present work is a contribution to such a sciencein that it shows the essential relationships ofwhat is found in the unconscious of present day mankindto many forms of thinking of the middle ages.These same trends are present to-day in all of usthough hidden behind a different set of structuralterms, utilizing different mechanisms for energy expression.

The unceasing complexity of life's accumulationshas created a great principle for energy expressionitis termed sublimationand in popular parlancerepresents the spiritual striving of mankindtowards the perfecting of a relation with the worldof realitythe environmentwhich shall meanhuman happiness in its truest sense. One of the [pg v] products of this sublimation tendency is called Mysticism.This work would seek to aid us to an understandingof this manifestation of human conduct asexpressed in concrete or contemplated action throughthought. It does so by the comparative method,and it is for this reason I have been led to presentit to an English reading public.

Much of the strange and outre, as well as the commonplace,in human activity conceals energy transformationsof inestimable value in the work of sublimation.The race would go mad without it. Itsometimes does even with it, a sign that sublimationis still imperfect and that the race is far from beingspiritually well. A comprehension of the principleshere involved would further the spread of sympathyfor all forms of thinking and tend to further spiritualhealth in such mutual comprehension of theneeds of others and of the forms taken by sublimationprocesses.

For the actual work of translation, I wish to expressmy obligations to friends Wilfred Lay, andLeo Stein. Without their generous and gifted assistanceI would not have been able to accomplishthe task.

Smith Ely Jelliffe , M.D.
New York , Oct. 27, 1917.