Rosicrucians

In the years 1614, 1615, and 1616, there were published at Cassel, Germany, three books with long Latin names, which created a great sensation. These books contained the most wonderful stories about a certain secret society, the Rosicrucians, founded in the fourteenth century, possessed of the deepest wisdom, and working most potently for the good of mankind. The third book contained stirring revelations concerning the founder of the society, Christian Rosenkreutz, his residence among Arab and Egyptian magicians, his life in Spain and Germany as head of the order, his death and burial. The greatest excitement prevailed, some people were eager to join this new order, others were ready to fight against it. Some theologians believed it a means to salvation, others, the organ of a scheme to overthrow Christianity. Some physicians believed that the "elixir of life" had been found; while alchemists were sure that the society had found the "philosopher's stone," and that gold could now be manufactured. For several years the secret society of the Rosicrucians was the all-absorbing topic of the day; yet no one ever owned himself to be a member, and even the real existence of such a society was not demonstrated. The whole affair was a mystification, and for what purpose, and by whom, the books were written, remains a mystery.

There arose numerous Rosicrucian societies, and as late as the end of the eighteenth century, Cagliostro pretended to be a Rosicrucian. By some, Johann Valentin Andrea has been named as the author of the books, which they considered simply as a satire. Others held different opinions, and various explanations were offered.

Butler describes his hero, Hudibras--