Anima Magica Abscondita

These definitions are such riddles that I truly believe Aristotle used those words logos original Greek: λόγος; here meaning "reason" or "formula" and entelechy original Greek: ἐντελέχεια; meaning the realization or complete expression of a potentiality because he did not want to reveal his ignorance on these points. For why should a Form be called a "reason," or in what other author can we find this word "entelechy"?

However, because Nature in general—that is, in her Active and Passive parts, namely Matter and Form—together with the Soul of man, are the main foundations upon which to build a Philosophy; and because this Aristotle is so revered by his followers that the theologians of Cologne original: Collein tell us, "He was the precursor of Christ in natural matters, just as John the Baptist was in matters of Grace" original Latin: precursor Christi in Naturalibus, ut Johannes Baptista in Gratuitis; I shall further examine these definitions of his and acknowledge the benefit if I find any.

In the first place, then, it might be thought that I am indebted to this man for telling me that Nature is a "Principle." In the same way, I might tell the reader that the Magician’s passive spirit is a principle; but if I do not tell him what kind of substance it is, I will allow him ten years of study, and even if the Sun went back ten degrees on his dial every day A biblical reference to the miracle of Hezekiah's sundial, he would not know what or where it is without supernatural assistance.

But you will reply: He tells me further that it is a principle that causes bodies to move and rest. I thank him for nothing. I do not desire to know what this principle does, for that is obvious to every eye; rather, I want to know what it is.