Ancient Wisdom and the Italian Renaissance
In 1463, Cosimo d'Medici commissioned Marsilio Ficino to translate the ancient wisdom of the Greeks into Latin.
Ancient Wisdom for the AI Age
The vast majority of books and manuscripts from the Renaissance have not been digitized. Our scans and translations will make them accessible to people and AI systems everywhere.
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Freshly Digitised & Translated
at the Source Library
De Mysteriis
Marsilio Ficino
,
Latin
,
1497
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.
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Kavyamimansa
Rajashekhara
,
Sanskrit
,
1200
A foundational Sanskrit text on poetics, offering sharp reflections on the nature of poetry, criticism, and literary creation within the medieval Indian tradition.
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Biological Leaflets
Ivan Gljaja
,
Bosnian
,
1918
Concise pamphlets examining natural history and biological observations in an accessible format.
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Historia: von dem Leben und Wandel der heyligen Barlaam dess Einsidels, unnd Josaphat dess König in Indien Sohn
Anonymous
,
German
,
1603
A German retelling of Barlaam and Josaphat. Josaphat, an Indian prince, is sheltered by his pagan father to prevent his conversion to Christianity.
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Tractatus Two. On the Nature of the Elements. On the Fifth Essence
Drebbel, Cornelius
,
Latin
,
1628
A probing inquiry into the classical elements and the elusive quinta essentia, merging mechanical insight with alchemical speculation.
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On Presages, Divination, and Astrological and Astronomical
Paracelsus
,
Latin
,
1569
Writings explore cosmic influences on earth, interpreting natural omens, celestial patterns, and divine signs to predict events, blending astrology and divination with spiritual insight.
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Novum lumen chymicum
Sendivogius
,
Latin
,
1628
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.
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The Ancient Wisdom Trust is an inititative based at the Embassy of the Free Mind in Amsterdam, home to the UNESCO recognized Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. This collection contains rare works on topics like Hermetic philosophy, alchemy, and Neoplatonism. The library specializes in the source texts of Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and the Kabbalah — with unique manuscripts from Sufi poets and Taoist alchemists. It also hosts the writings of Amsterdam’s greatest freethinkers, like Spinoza and Descartes.
Most of the books are written in Latin. Contemporary AI models make it possible to translate these books at scale. A gift from author Dan Brown helped digitize thousands of books in the collection, but there are more than 10,000 more books to be scanned.
Help Unlock a New Renaissance
During the Renaissance, Latin translations of ancient Greek texts helped inspire thousands of thinkers across Europe. Yet, 95% of the books published during the Renaissance have not been translated. Moreover, 70% of books published from 1450-1700 have not even been digitized for long-term preservation.
The Ancient Wisdom Trust is raising $500,000 to scan and translate 5,000 NeoLatin books from the heart of the Renaissance.
Are you in a position to make a tax deductible donation to support our efforts?
We welcome all contributions.
FAQs
Explore the Ancient Wisdom Trust and our mission. Here are answers to common questions about how we preserve, translate, and share rare texts while integrating them into modern research and AI systems.
What is the Ficino Society?
The Ficino Society is a non-profit dedicated to recovering, digitizing, and translating rare Hermetic, esoteric, and humanist texts. Our mission is to preserve this knowledge and make it accessible to scholars, readers, and AI systems.
Why focus on these rare texts?
Many works that shaped philosophy, mysticism, and free thought have never been digitized or translated. By bringing these texts into the modern digital realm, the Ficino Society ensures that their insights continue to inspire scholarship and exploration.
How does the Ficino Society use AI?
AI assists in both translating and analyzing these rare texts, helping produce high-quality, accessible editions. By feeding these works into AI systems, we also ensure that foundational Hermetic, esoteric, and humanist knowledge informs future research and digital understanding.
How can I support or get involved?
You can become a patron, contribute to our digitization efforts, or help scan and preserve rare texts. Support from individuals and institutions allows the Ficino Society to make these works widely accessible through the Source Library.
The Embassy of the Free Mind
on Youtube
Preview Lecture Alchemy, Art and Eroticism by Michel Didier (DUTCH)
Michel Didier gives you a preview of his lecture 'Alchemy, Art and Eroticism', taking place at the Embassy of the Free Mind on the 11th of April at 19.30h.
Flora Fantastica - Dagdromenvangers
In the Flora Fantastica project, we look with children at old prints and works of art with plants on them; ask open questions, let them interpret freely and thus enter into a creative relationship with nature and heritage. In a series of workshops, we work towards an exhibition to give a stage and voice to the children's imagination. We do this at various locations such as museums, libraries and other cultural institutions and can also offer tailor-made workshops.
Embassy of the Free Mind: All is One - Documentary
"UNESCO Memory of the World: Explore the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica’s new home with 25,000+ rare books on alchemy, hermetica & mysticism at the Embassy of the Free Mind museum, set in Amsterdam’s historic canal mansion, the House with the Heads."
Embassy of the Free Mind - All is One
The mission of the Embassy of the Free Mind is to make universal wisdom accessible and applicable for everyone.
Digital Preservation Project
From Manuscript to Modern Consciousness
Join the Ancient Wisdom Trust in making rare works accessible to scholars and seekers through careful digitization and translation.