Author Description

Of important historical value for Freemasonry, the present work of Samuel Pritchard brings us important information about the evolution of Operative Freemasonry to Speculative Freemasonry. Apparently, his work was printed as a form of protest and discontent against the impositions made by the new norms within the Fraternity by speculators who started a process of “elitization” of Freemasonry. It also reveals to us the introduction and gradual transformation of the Master's Degree that emerged at that time and was being implanted in all regular Lodges. A fact that contributes significantly to Masonic studies and research, considering that in Operative Freemasonry there were only two degrees; and not three as we see today. The sources of research on the life and work of Samuel Pritchard, author of “Masonry Dissected” in 1730, as well as the year of birth and death of this author are also shrouded in mystery. There are those who say that this document was written by an element infiltrated in Freemasonry at the time with the intention of revealing its secrets to the world. However, it is a hypothesis worthy of many studies and consultation of materials in the archives of the time.