The Book [of the] .... of Solomon

Son of David, King of Israel: who sat upon the throne of the Lord and ruled over the upper worlds and the lower worlds, and whose wisdom was greater than all the children of the East.

And until this very day, it was hidden and concealed among the vessels in a certain cave in the land of Shinar original Hebrew: שנער. An ancient biblical name for Babylonia..

And it was brought to our country at the desire of a great prince and leader, a refuge to the Emperor Charles, may his Rock protect him original Hebrew: י"צ (Yatz), an abbreviation for 'Yishmrehu Tzuro'. The Emperor mentioned is likely Charles VI.; and behold, this is the first fruit literally "heel" or "consequence" to come forth from under our hand.

Here in Amsterdam, in the year:

"The Lord also shall give that which is good" original Hebrew: גם ה' יתן הטוב. This is a chronogram from Psalm 85:12. In Hebrew numerology, the letters of this phrase provide the date, which corresponds to the year 1700. according to the minor era.

The word between "Book" original Hebrew: ספר (Sefer) and "Solomon" original Hebrew: שלמה (Shlomo) indicated by dots cannot be said to be "illegible," for it has been cut out, evidently with a purpose, probably from fear; for it should be borne in mind that a book bearing the title The Key of Solomon original Hebrew: ס' מפתח שלמה (Sefer Mafteach Shlomo) "The Key" Latin: Clavis or Clavicula Salomonis might have involved, even at the time of the latest copyist, in most unpleasant and perhaps serious consequences, both the copyist as well as the possessor.

One has but to look back to the end of the 17th century and to the beginning of the 18th, and to think of the proceedings at the Trials, and the death-sentences in connection with witchcraft and sorcery. (Compare Dr. Jaraczewski's Lecture on Witchcraft Trials original German: Vortrag über Hexenprocesse).