On Superstition and the Bonds of Demons

PART TWO.

The praised author begins:

“I found in a certain book by an ancient philosopher named Menastor Menastor is a name often cited in Renaissance occult literature, particularly in the works of Johannes Trithemius, representing a fictional or highly obscure ancient source. that it is possible, through a certain art conceived in our mind, to make something known to a friend—no matter how far away they may be—within twenty-four hours, without letters and without a messenger, most perfectly and most secretly. When I was led by a most intense desire for knowledge, I began to wish to test the truth of these words; and after much labor, I finally found the science itself proven by experience. The secret of this kind of art is profound and wrapped in such obscurities that it is not easily accessible to anyone. For Menastor veiled the Ministry Ministry: Here referring to the practical application or 'service' of the magical operation. in too much obscurity and with few words; he used such force to keep it secret that, until now, no one has been found after him who dared to make his discourse clearer with any explanation. I, however, fearing that such a wonderful work might be despised by the unskilled because of its extreme obscurity, or eventually be burned in a fire—since I have long experienced it through many trials—wished to commit it to writing in clearer letters. My hope is that by God’s help it might be somewhat accessible to learned men and those most devoted to magical studies, and yet remain hidden at all times from the ignorant Rapophagis Rapophagis: Literally 'turnip-eaters' (from Latin rapum and Greek phagein); a derogatory term used by Renaissance scholars to describe the uneducated or boorish populace., never becoming known to their dull intellects. Menastor said: seven Angels preside; to them are subject twenty-one spirits through whom arcana original: "arcana" - secret or hidden things; mysteries. are announced. Let us set forth their names by means of a table.”

Menastor’s authority falls short: things reported differ from the senses: therefore, there is no place for reason.