After reading & really comprehending the meaning of the reality that his words describe you would reach the same conclusion I did. And that is, that, "if man used everything he knows for man instead of against man, then every man would be great, and no one would be poor. And that is the scariest thing to anyone who believes that he is truly great. It is only in this foolishness that he remains ignorant & eternally dead."

Although not as complete or as detailed as AMORC's English translation of the Secret Symbols, Hartmann has placed additional clues of their secret practices in his additions. There are entire sections of text left out from the plates, and he does not inclue the plates from Book II, the Altona edition of 1785. However, a side-by-side comparison of the different translations can prove enlightening.

He includes what Lewis describes as a "rambling" introductory essay, but which contains hints as to where to look for the philosopher's stone. Also includes a dictionary of occult terms.

This book is one of those rare blends of biographical information,useful practical notes with an easy readable writing something that we find lacking from translations usualy.It contains all kinds of information both for persons that are now begining to read about the occult as well as information that experienced magicians will find usefull,like medical formulas that a MAGE will find interesting and will want to experiment with.I found it extremely interesting and readable i recomend it to anyone that is interested in reading an enjoyable book even if you don't beleive in occult you will find the stories very interesting.The onely flaw of the book is the first part of it with the difficult to comprehend magic figures.