A key to physic, and the occult sciences

...being made in his image and exercising dominion over his creatures, man is bound to improve that intellect of reason and understanding by which he is to govern and direct them, according to the dictates of truth, justice, and mercy. For this purpose, he should study—as Solomon did—the hidden original: "occult" properties and qualities of all things: "from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon, even to the hyssop that grows out of the wall" A reference to 1 Kings 4:33, describing King Solomon’s vast knowledge of botany and natural history.. He should study whatever relates to a proper knowledge of himself, "and of beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of fish." This is not so he can worship the sun, the moon, the stars, or any of the heavenly bodies, but rather to consider, admire, and investigate their natures original: "characters", which were fixed by the hand of God as signs for seasons, days, and years.

In fact, these studies contain nothing more than what every person ought to be familiar with to the best of their abilities. This is because they lead to a comprehensive understanding of those hidden causes and effects that are the most powerful even though they are the least visible. Through this, the human understanding is enlightened and improved, and the mind is enriched with those divine principles original: "precepts" that reveal that FIRST and all-powerful CAUSE The "First Cause" refers to God as the ultimate source of all existence.. All "secondary causes" The physical laws of nature and the predictable interactions of matter. are subservient to his power and act only as the agents of his will; it is under his protective care and permission original: "sufferance" that we see, feel, move, speak, and exist!

The countless original: "ten thousand" blessings that result from this study are found in our search for truth and the mysteries that surround us. These include the astonishing sympathy and antipathy The belief that certain substances have a natural attraction or repulsion to one another, a core concept in early modern science and alchemy. between heavenly and earthly substances; the wonderful harmony and structure of the celestial bodies; the nature and qualities of our own existence and the reproduction original: "propagation" of our species; the hidden properties implanted in all created beings; and the purpose for which they were created!

All people are equally capable of such inquiries and can claim the same right to them, unless they allow stubbornness or laziness to stand in their way. There is certainly a power implanted in the human mind that perceives truth and compels belief in all the hidden properties of nature. This does not happen through the force of argument, learning, or science, but by an instantaneous, instinctive, and irresistible impulse. This impulse comes from neither education nor habit, but from the unique gift of Providence. It acts independently of our will whenever these objects are presented, proving their reality even when our outward pride and our very words pretend to deny them.

This is an "intellectual sensation" which, I dare say, is felt more or less by all mankind; and I know that the hearts of all my readers, if not their tongues, will admit this is true. It is therefore clear that the humble laborer original: "cottager", the university-educated clergyman original: "classical curate", the licensed physician, and the local village doctor all stand on the same level in this regard. The study of Nature’s laws, of the hidden properties in medicine, and in the structure and physical makeup original: "frame and temperature" of our bodies, is no...