Dæmonologie. First Booke.

...have observed from the beginning, in the science of the heavenly creatures—the planets, stars, and such like. The first is their course and ordinary motions, which for that reason is called Astronomy original: Astronomia. This word is a compound of law and of stars original: νομὸς & αστερων, which is to say, the law of the stars. This art is indeed one of the branches of mathematics original: Mathema-ticques and is not only lawful, but most necessary and commendable.

The other is called Astrology original: Astrologia, being compounded of of stars and word original: αστερων & λογος, which is to say, the word or preaching of the stars. This is divided into two parts.

The first part involves knowing the powers of simples Medicinal plants or herbs used in their natural state. and sicknesses, as well as the course of the seasons and the weather, which are ruled by the stars' influence. This part depends upon the former science (Astronomy), and although it is not strictly a branch of mathematics itself, it is not unlawful when used moderately—though it is not as necessary or commendable as the first.

The second part is to trust so much in the stars' influences as to use them to foretell which commonwealths original: "common-weales" shall flourish or decay; which persons shall be fortunate or unfortunate; which side shall win in any battle; what man shall obtain victory in single combat original: "singular combate"; a duel.; in what way and at what age men shall die; what horse shall win at horse racing original: "matche-running"; and various other such incredible things. Girolamo Cardano original: Cardanus; a famous 16th-century Italian polymath who studied mathematics and astrology., Cornelius Agrippa original: Cornelius Agrippa; an influential German scholar and occultist., and various others have written at great length on these matters, more obsessively original: "curiouslie"; in this era, "curious" implied an overly intricate or meddlesome interest in secrets that should be left alone. than profitably.

From this last root we just spoke of, innumerable branches spring—such as knowledge by horoscopes original: "natiuities" and chiromancy original: Cheiromantie; palm reading.,