originally Quaker). But lo! in tracing back my mother's family,
I found that her ancestors had quite a mystical outburst in the
17th century — brought Bo"hme's works to this country, were close
friends of Johann Valentin Andreae, and wrote mystical and alchem-
ical works themselves. Moreover, the family coat of arms was
prefixed to the Book of Lambsprinck, with the crest of the branch
that later emigrated to America. But most picturesque of all,
near the town which they founded grew up an alchemical community
which lived according to all the Rosicrucian rules and practised
all manner of mysterious rites on the banks of the Wissahickon,
where they lived in caves! So I suppose it's in my blood.

I am sorry that I can't send you my book at once; certainly
you ought to have one! But I have only my own annotated copy;
and I have never yet seen a copy in a second-hand book-store;
and the retailers have forced the original price far too high
for me.

Please give my regards to Mr. Thomson when you see him, and
also to that admirable woman Jane Heap, whom I have not seen
for these many years. I am very glad you have written.