Interlude
They’re alchemical symbols—specifically for mercury, salt, and sulfur if I’m not mistaken.
The Swiss physician Paracelsus also dabbled in alchemy, and he identified these three chemicals as the tria prima, or the three primes of which all materials are composed.
We’ve learned better, of course, but until the eighteenth century, many alchemists believed these could be combined to create entirely new elements. ”
“Why, though? Did these mean something or do something specific?”
“In theory, mercury was a fluid element. It represented air, mind, volatility. Salt, a solid, was base matter, representing the body, the earth, and water—permanence. And then sulfur, that was spirit, fire, combustibility. Alchemists believe that by adding different levels of combustible sulfur to a solvent of mercury, they could create anything, leaving a residue of salt behind.”
“Huh.”
“You look more confused than you were when you walked in, Mister Graves.”
“I sort of am. I guess I don’t see the logic…no pun intended.”
“Beliefs aren’t always logical, but they do tend to follow patterns.
Humanity has applied the rule of threes to their world since the beginning of time, from the valknut to the pyramids of Giza, following the earth’s natural patterns.
You might find it illogical to ascribe symbolism to elements, numbers, and shapes, but it’s no more outlandish than the field of science, which disproves its own long-standing theories every few years. ”
“What about you, Professor?”
“What about me?”
“Do you think these alchemical symbols could be magic?”
“…”
“Professor?”
“I think…magic is another form of belief. Perhaps the strongest form there is. If enough people give something power, then, yes, I would say it could be considered magical. Sorry, what class did you say this was for again?”
—Transcribed by Ellory Morgan from a recording by Hudson Graves