These teachings really constituted the basic principles of 'The Art of Hermetic Alchemy,' which, contrary to the general belief, dealt in the mastery of Mental Forces, rather than Material Elements-the Transmutation of one kind of Mental Vibrations into others, instead of the changing of one kind of metal into another. It was merely a collection of maxims, axioms, and precepts, which were non-understandable to outsiders, but which were readily understood by students, after the axioms, maxims, and precepts had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates to their Neophytes. Its precepts have never been written down, or printed, so far as we know. This teaching, however, is known to many to whom it has descended, from mouth to ear, on and on throughout the centuries. In the early days, there was a compilation of certain Basic Hermetic Doctrines, passed on from teacher to student, which was known as 'The Kybalion,' the exact significance and meaning of the term having been lost for several centuries. India, Persia, Chaldea, Medea, China, Japan, Assyria, ancient Greece and Rome, and other ancient countries partook liberally at the feast of knowledge which the Hierophants and Masters of the Land of Isis so freely provided for those who came prepared to partake of the great store of Mystic and Occult Lore which the masterminds of that ancient land had gathered together.

From her Secret Doctrine all nations have borrowed. Egypt, the home of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, was the birthplace of the Hidden Wisdom and Mystic Teachings. From old Egypt have come the fundamental esoteric and occult teachings which have so strongly influenced the philosophies of all races, nations and peoples, for several thousand years.

The Kybalion by Three Initiates