The Influence of Pythagoras on Freemasonry: Foundations of Freemasonry Series (Unabridged‪)‬

Renowned Masonic scholar Albert G. Mackey examines the role Pythagoras has played in our fraternity. He begins by examining old records and the potential origin of how the Masonic name "Peter Gower" became a synonym for Pythagoras. He points to an early Masonic reference of Pythagoras and Hermes, dating to 1450, while at the same time pointing out that many of the much later documents are devoid of his name altogether. From there, Mackey explores the history of Pythagoras and what he may have symbolized to some early masons, which would have encouraged them to adopt aspects of the famed initiate Pythagoras into the overall Masonic lore.