The document discusses the historical and symbolic significance of geometric shapes such as the circle, square, and triangle in relation to alchemy, particularly the philosopher's stone. It references Carl Jung's ideas on these shapes as representations of the 'inner man' and their connections to brain anatomy, specifically the corpora quadrigemina. Additionally, it explores the concept of 'squaring the circle' as an archetype of wholeness and a metaphorical journey toward understanding the unconscious.

1. John D. Hipsley
June 17th, 2018

2. A symbol of a circle within
a square within a triangle within
a circle started being used in the 17th
century to represent alchemy and the
philosopher's stone, which is the
ultimate goal of alchemy.
... Circles often represent the spiritual
because they are infinite
Sacred Geometry

3. In dealing with space man has produced –
since time immemorial – the circle and the
square – which are connected with the idea
of shelter and protection, place of the hearth
concentration of the family and small animals,
and on a higher level the symbol of the
quadratura circuli, as the dwelling place of
the “inner man,” the abode of the gods, etc.
- Carl Jung, Letters Vol. II.
Pages 509-510
Symbol of the Quadratura Circuli – ‘inner man”

4. He [Jung] said he had for a long time
thought that the brain stem was
important in our thinking life and how
interested he was that the corpora
quadrigemina, the four bodies, was the
area, for it confirmed his idea of the
importance of the square and the circle
as symbols.
- E.A. Bennet, Meetings with Jung,
Page 157
Brain Stem Related to Symbols of the Square and Circle

5. Corpora Quadrigemina, the four bodies
In the brain, the corpora
quadrigemina (Latin for "quadruplet
bodies") are the four colliculi—two
inferior, two superior—located on the
tectum of the dorsal aspect of the
midbrain.
They are respectively named the
inferior and superior colliculus.
The corpora quadrigemina are reflex
centers involving vision and hearing.

6. “The ‘squaring of the circle’ is one of
the many archetypal motifs which
form the basic patterns of our dreams
and fantasies.
But it is distinguished by the fact
that it is one of the most important
of them from the functional point of
view. Indeed, it could even be called
the archetype of wholeness.”
C.G. Jung
Squaring of the Circle – Archetype of Wholeness

7. Squaring the circle is a problem
proposed by ancient geometers. It is
the challenge of constructing
a square with the same area as a
given circle by using only a finite
number of steps with compass and
straightedge.
Squaring of the Circle – A geometric challenge

8. “The squaring of the circle is a stage
on the way to the unconscious, a point
of transition leading to a goal lying as
yet unformulated beyond it. It is one
of those paths to the centre.”
C.G. Jung
Squaring of the Circle – Stage on way to unconscious