On the Illusions of Demons

DEDICATORY EPISTLE 7

...approve. By this reasoning, I am confident that I have brought back a sufficiently rich interest original: "usuram," referring to the reward or profit from his labor from my labors; nor will I regret the effort expended, if I am called back to the knowledge of truth by sounder doctrine, or at least confirmed in an opinion that is rare and heard by few. Truth is hidden in the deep. For indeed, just as Democritus most rightly taught that nature has hidden truth deep in the abyss A reference to the philosopher Democritus's famous saying that truth lies at the bottom of a well, so it is fitting to inquire, investigate, and search for it more vigilantly. Indeed, this is joined with greater fairness than to stubbornly defend an opinion which someone has rashly embraced.

The argument of the work. Theological.

The argument of this commentary of ours is partly Theological, by which the arts and efforts of the devil are revealed through the testimonies of the Sacred Scriptures; and it teaches how they may most safely be countered. Philosophical. It is also partly Philosophical, while the vain mockeries of Satan and the corrupt imagination of witches sagarum; traditionally wise-women or diviners, here meaning those accused of witchcraft are refuted by natural reasons. Medical. Likewise, it is partly Medical, where it is demonstrated that illnesses, their causes, and symptoms—which until now have been wrongly attributed to witches Lamyis; refers to "Lamiae," mythical female monsters or witches—arise according to the laws of nature. Legal. Finally, it partly regards the principles of Jurisprudence, when the punishments of infamous magicians, witches, and poisoners ueneficorum; literally "poison-makers," the legal term for harmful sorcerers are dealt with in a manner different from what has been practiced until now, according to the quality and magnitude of the crime.

Why various stories are inserted.

Moreover, I have inserted various stories throughout, primarily for this purpose: since so many diverse and multifaceted things are often reported by many regarding this business of Satan, through the comparison of our accounts, their analogy original Greek: αναλογία, and some sort of explanation, one might more quickly [understand the truth] of these actions and demonic delusions præstigiarum; illusions or conjuring tricks used to deceive the senses, and matters