The mysteries of Osiris and Isis, the Cabeiric, Eleusinian, Orphic, Mithraic and Essenic brotherhoods all show an affinity with Freemasonry.
The Druses of Syria possess peculiarities which show a close connection with the Craft, and the attempt has been made to derive them from the subjects of Hiram. King of Tyre, who built King Solomon's Temple.
Another theory is that Freemasonry is the lineal descendant of the Roman Collegia.
The attempt has also been made to trace the Masonry of Mediaeval England to a band of artificers who are said to have settled on the Island Comacin, on Lake Como, after the downfall of the Roman Empire. Again the evidence is tantalisingly small.
Symbolism is the common property of all humanity, and much of that which is now used in Freemasonry is of very ancient origin.
Extracts from the earliest of the Chinese Classics plainly show that the working tools of the Mason were utilized as symbols for the purpose of inculcating moral truths.
