The connection between POE lore and old science fiction

So, over the last year, I've been reading a lot of old fantasy with science fiction elements, because for some reason I'm drawn to older literature. One thing I've noticed is the some number of overlaps between certain elements and Path of Exile. For example, Gene Wolfe's "The Book of the New Sun" features the sword "Terminus Est," and I know that's a generic name, but there are also other elements that are somewhat reminiscent of the Path of Exile setting. Jack Vance's "The Dying Earth" series also has some elements (like the girl Scion and growing people in flasks/mechanisms), but I'm not really sure if I'm just imagining things. What do you think? Have you noticed anything similar?