popular in the Middle Ages, and generally placed as the first proposition of Euclid, was a symbol applied by the masons in planning their temples. Albert Dürer, Serlio, and other architectural writers depict the Vesica in their works, but presumably because an unspeakable mystery attached to it these authors make no reference to it. Thomas Kerrich, a freemason and principal librarian of the University of Cambridge, read a paper upon this mystical figure before the Society of Antiquaries on January 20th, 1820. He illustrated his remarks with many diagrams illustrating its use by the ancient masons, and piously concludes by saying, "I would by no means indulge in conjectures as to the reference these figures might possibly have to the most sacred mysteries of religion."[1] Dr. Oliver, ("Discrep." p. 109) speaking of the Vesica, says, "This mysterious figure Vesica Piscis possessed an unbounded influence on the details of sacred architecture; and it constituted the great and enduring secret of our ancient brethren. The plans of religious buildings were determined by its use; and the proportions of length and height were dependent on it alone."[2] Mr. Clarkson (Introductory Essay to Billings' "Temple Church") considered that the elementary letters of the primitive language were derived from the same mystical symbol. He says that it was known to Plato and "his masters in the Egyptian colleges," and was to the old builders "an archetype of ideal beauty." The Vesica was also regarded as a baneful object under the name of
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THE CANON.
