The Key of Solomon

A decorative drop cap initial letter T featuring floral or leaf patterns opens the first paragraph of the introduction.

The manuscript described in these pages will offer to the student of ancient and modern literature much information regarding that branch of learning which deals with the world of mystery,— a theme which from time immemorial up to the present day has ever had a remarkable fascination for the mind of man.

The substance of this work might, as far as concerns its practical value, be looked upon as a combination of folly and daring; but from another point of view, namely, that works of this kind were during the past sought after, studied and believed in, the manuscript before us assumes a character of high importance.

The Essenes A mystical Jewish sect of the Second Temple period known for their communal living and asceticism., mentioned by Josephus Flavius Josephus (c. 37–100 CE), a Jewish historian whose works are the primary source for the history of the Essenes. and Philo Philo of Alexandria (c. 20 BCE–50 CE), a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who described the life of contemplative Jewish sects., had already introduced into their religious activity some elements of a mystic tendency, and the Therapeutae A Jewish ascetic group in Alexandria, Egypt, related to the Essenes and noted for their devotion to healing and prayer. of Alexandria were not behindhand in this direction. Their healing-art consisted in the application of mystic formulae derived from the works of King