OF JOHANNES TRI-

THEMIUS, ABBOT OF

SPONHEIM. A LITTLE

BOOK CONCERNING THE INTELLIGENCES

VENERABLE and most wise Caesar, Maximilian I (1459–1519), Holy Roman Emperor. it is the opinion of many of the ancients that this lower world is governed, by the arrangement of the highest intellect, which is God, through secondary intelligences. Secondary intelligences: Also known as "Secondary Causes," these are the angels or spirits that act as intermediaries between the Creator and the physical world. The Conciliator of Physicians original: "Conciliator Medicorum"; a reference to Pietro d'Abano (c. 1257–1315), a philosopher and astrologer whose famous work "Conciliator" sought to bridge the gap between Greek/Arabic science and medieval theology., agreeing with their opinion, says that seven spirits were set over the seven planets from the beginning of heaven and earth. Each of these spirits governs the world for three hundred and fifty-four years and four months in succession. This specific number (354 years and 4 months) reflects a "Great Year" calculation based on the lunar calendar, where each day of the lunar year is expanded into a full year of angelic rule. To this proposition many of the most learned have hitherto given their consent; this I now make manifest to your Most Sacred Majesty, not by asserting it as absolute fact, but simply by reporting it.

V E N E T I I S ...? Likely indicating Venice as a place of publication or printing for this edition.