Preface.

...all parts original: "Membra" and species original: "Species" against us. For first, he falsifies the works of Nature, making Devil's arts out of God's gifts; then he also falsifies the Heavenly works and the Faith, and performs many signs in these three. All this Theophrastus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, better known as Paracelsus (1493–1541). now explains in the fourth book, concerning Infernal Astronomy original: "Infernalischen Astronomey". We should read this not so that we may use it—for upon this wisdom (says Theophrastus) lies the eternal curse, in which all those who walk and live within it are included—but rather so that we know how to guard ourselves against it. For Satan is everywhere with us, like the radiance of the sun; but as long as our heart is in God, he does us no harm. Where a person does not walk in the way of God, however, Satan rules in that same person.

The Devil also has not only his signs, but also his "saints." For God allows him enough room to satisfy his meddlesome curiosity original: "fürwitz"; refers to an improper or prideful desire to know things beyond human station., because he desires to experience, explore, and seek everything that is not his business. And just as God is all in all for good, so Satan wants to be all in all for evil. The wisdom which he did not lose A reference to the theological idea that fallen angels retained their natural intellectual powers even after being cast out of heaven., he uses only to deceive and seduce mankind; and he has his order among his spirits no less than the angels in Heaven. Theophrastus also calls the Necromancy of the Underworld original: "Nigromantiam Inferorum" a lamentable error, from whose appearance many delusions arise.

This, most gracious Elector, is the summary of these four books, which I have in haste, according to my meager understanding and judgment original: "Judicio", drawn together from this work original: "Opere" solely for the benefit of the simple-hearted. From these, anyone can easily perceive what a great treasure [is contained] herein