Natural Magic (1560) - Page 17

I N D E X.


How men can be tormented by a long dance. This likely refers to methods for inducing "dancing mania" or exhausting someone through forced movement, common in early modern "pranks."	73
Various virtues of the hyacinth. term: "Hyacinth" (in historical lapidaries, this usually refers to a precious stone like zircon or sapphire, not the flower).	130
Various virtues of jasper.	12
Jasper hung from the neck strengthens the stomach.	129
Images ought to be engraved on the proper stones. A reference to "astrological talismans," where specific symbols had to be carved into specific gems to be effective.	132
Various ways of preparing tinder.	46
Various compositions of fires.	47
A fiery mixture which the Sun can ignite.	48
To ignite a fire with a flask full of water. A classic optical experiment using a glass orb as a magnifying lens to focus sunlight.	125
To protect something from fire so it is not burned.	50
To appear entirely set on fire.	50
To induce sleeplessness. original: "Insomnia"; this could also refer to inducing specific types of dreams.	83
How a rainbow may be seen.	119
To know virtues through the individual.	15
That lettuce may grow when planted with many seeds.	38
Experiments with lamps.	66
Ointments of witches, which make them see themselves being carried through the air. A historical reference to "flying ointments" purportedly used by those accused of witchcraft, often containing hallucinogenic plants.	85
That frogs may be silent at night because of a lamp.	66
That someone lighting a lamp may be terrified.	66
A stone that sparks fire from any moisture. Likely a reference to quicklime or a similar chemical reaction.	47
Virtues of stones.	131
A liquid shining in the dark.	50
A wick that burns when the hand is squeezed tight, but is extinguished when loose.	66
Woods that catch fire by friction.	46
That lilies may be kept always fresh.	43
Red and purple lilies.	41
Many experiments with letters, and various secrets for writing and reading. This entry covers cryptography, hidden messages, and invisible inks.	51. 52. 53.
A light by which the stars may seem to wander.	66
Certain properties of places and springs.	23
A light by which men are seen in the form of giants.	66
Wolf dung, when hung, benefits those with stomach ailments. original: "coeliacis"; referring to those with abdominal or digestive distress.	130
Lyres, harps, or other instruments played by the wind. Refers to the Aeolian harp, which produces music as air passes over its strings.	83
Various properties of the lyre.	81
That a deaf person may hear the sound of the lyre.	83