The
curious book called in Hebrew "Sepher de-Adam Kadmah" and attributed to
the angel Eaziel, is supposed to belong to the twelfth or the
thirteenth century, or at the earliest to the eleventh century,8
although the redactor may have used some earlier materials. Legend
states that it was engraved upon a sapphire and was given by the angel
Eaziel to Adam when the latter was driven from Paradise. Handed down
from generation to generation, it finally came into the possession of
Solomon. The name Eaziel signifies "secret of God," in allusion to the
revelations contained in the book, which was supposed to protect the
house wherein it was from all danger of fire.
In
this book there is an interesting list of angels, denominated the
twelve princes, set over the twelve months of the year. The text of the
first printed edition appears to be corrupt in some places, but the
names may be transliterated as follows : ·
