¶ The Book of Collections, or the Book of Secrets of Albert the Great, concerning the virtues of certain herbs, stones, and animals. The first book, concerning the virtues of certain herbs.

As the Philosopher original: "philosophus"; a standard medieval reference to Aristotle maintains in many places, all knowledge belongs to the category of good things. Nevertheless, the practice of it is sometimes good and sometimes evil, according as the knowledge is turned toward a good or an evil end for which it is employed. From this, two conclusions are drawn. The first of these is that magical science original: "scientia magicalis" is not evil in itself; for through the knowledge of it, evil can be avoided and good pursued. It is also concluded, secondly, that since an effect is praised because of its purpose, the end of a science is also sometimes blamed as evil—for instance, when it is not directed toward the good or toward virtue. From this it follows that the science or the practice is sometimes good or evil. Therefore, since magical knowledge is good (as has been presupposed) and yet exists somewhat as an evil in the speculation of reasons and in the speculation of natural things, I have examined and perceived it according to the ancient authors. Indeed, I myself, Albert, have found the truth in many instances, and I posit the truth regarding certain matters from the book of Ebira original: "Ebyrādis"; likely referring to a corrupted name of a Persian or Arabic authority and the book of Alchorat original: "Alchorat"; likely a reference to a work on talismans or astral magic.