The Kybalion is a book originally published in 1908 by "Three Initiates" that purports to convey the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion, originally published in 1912, is a short volume that presents, with commentary, the basic Hermetic principles. The author(s) of the book are anonymous. The Kybalion is a compilation of Hermetic teachings. These same doctrines are based on principles originally explained by Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion provides a Master-Key for students to unlock the fundamental and basic teachings of esoteric philosophy. The seven principles are the foundation of Hermeticism, a branch of spiritual philosophy dating back as early as the first century A.D.