HERMETICISM
Hermeticism is a philosophic tradition which originates from ancient Middle Eastern sources (chiefly Egypt). It is concerned with the nature of the universe and mankind, and emphasises the dual nature of reality. The most prominent Hermetic character was Hermes Trismegistus, a combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth, and it is from this personage that the tradition derives its name. Surviving Hermetic texts include: The Corpus Hermeticum, The Asclepius (also called the Perfect Sermon), and the Nag Hammadi codex. Hermeticism was popular during Renaissance times and influenced many of the great scientific minds of the early modern period, among them Copernicus, Robert Boyle and Sir Isaac Newton.