[Illustration: Fig. 1. LATIN CROSS (_Crux immissa_).] [Illustration: Fig. 2. GREEK CROSS.] [Illustration: Fig. 3. ST. ANDREW'S CROSS (_Crux decussata_).] It is not the purpose of this paper to give a history of the cross, but the principal forms are shown by way of introduction to a study of the Swastika. The Latin cross, _Crux immissa_, (fig. 1) is found on coins, medals, and ornaments anterior to the Christian era. It was on this cross that Christ is said to have been crucified, and thus it became accepted as the Christian cross. The Greek cross (fig. 2) with arms of equal length crossing at right angles, is found on Assyrian and Persian monuments and tablets, Greek coins and statues. The St. Andrew's cross, _Crux decussata_, (fig. 3) is the same as the Greek cross, but turned to stand on two legs. The _Crux ansata_ (fig. 4) according to Egyptian mythology, was Ankh, the emblem of Ka, the spiritual double of man. It was also said to indicate a union of Osiris and Isis, and was regarded as a symbol of the generative principle of nature. [Illustration: Fig. 4. EGYPTIAN CROSS. (_Crux ansata_). The Key of Life.] The Tau cross (fig. 5), so called from its resemblance to the Greek letter of that name, is of uncertain, though ancient, origin. In Scandinavian mythology it passed under the name of "Thor's hammer," being therein confounded with the Swastika. It was also called St. Anthony's cross for the Egyptian hermit of that name, and was always colored blue. Clarkson says this mark was received by the Mithracists on their foreheads at the time of their initiation. C. W. King, in his work entitled "Early Christian Numismatics" (p. 214), expresses the opinion that the Tau cross was placed on the foreheads of men who cry after abominations. (Ezekiel ix, 4.) It is spoken of as a phallic emblem. Another variety of the cross appeared about the second century, composed of a union of the St. Andrew's cross and the letter P (fig. 6), being the first two letters of the Greek word [Greek: CHRISTOS] (Christus). This, with another variety containing all the foregoing letters, passed as the monogram of Christ (fig. 6). [Illustration: Fig. 5. TAU CROSS, THOR'S HAMMER, OR ST. ANTHONY'S CROSS.] [Illustration: Fig. 6. MONOGRAM OF CHRIST. Labarum of Constantine.] [Illustration: Fig. 7. MALTESE CROSS.] As an instrument of execution, the cross, besides being the intersection of two beams with four projecting arms, was frequently of compound forms as [Y], on which the convicted person was fastened by the feet and hung head downward. Another form [symbol], whereon he was fastened by one foot and one hand at each upper corner; still another form [symbol], whereon his body was suspended on the central upright with his arms outstretched upon the cross beams. Fig. 7 represents the sign of the military order of the Knights of Malta. It is of medieval origin.