Dr. Albert G. Mackey appears as author of this " Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and its Kindred Sciences," which, being a library in inself, superseded most of the Masonic works which have been tolerated by the craft — chiefly because none better could be obtained. Here is a work which fulfils the hope which sustained the author through ten years' literary labor, that, under one cover he "would furnish every Mason who might consult its pages the means of acquiring a knowledge of all matters connected with the science, the philosophy, and the history of his order." Up to the present time the modern literature of Freemasonry has been diffuse, lumbering, unreliable, and, out of all reasonable proportions. There is, in Mackey's "Encyclopaedia of Masonry," well digested, well arranged, and confined within reasonable limits, all that a Mason can desire to find in a book exclusively devoted to the history, the arts, science, and literature of Masonry. This is volume four out of four and covering the letters S to Z.

The ethics and philosophy of Freemasonry depend on monotheistic religions and the ancient constitution of the Freemasons. The constitution describes the rules and rituals that members must follow. Some of the ceremonies incorporate stonemasonry tools, which symbolize not only the construction of Solomon’s Temple, but also the forging of partnerships. While masonic practices are cloaked in secrecy, this collection gathers the best-known sources portraying the statutes, laws, symbols, rituals, and customs of Masonic societies. Contents: THE PRINCIPLES OF MASONIC LAW THE SYMBOLISM OF FREEMASONRY THE MYSTERIES OF FREE MASONRY MORALS AND DOGMA OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY PROOFS OF A CONSPIRACY WASHINGTON'S MASONIC CORRESPONDENCE MASONIC MONITOR OF THE DEGREES OF ENTERED APPRENTICE