On the Illusions of Demons

I humbly offer my opinion to be examined with a clear mental eye only to other more prudent and pious men, and to those eager to investigate the truth rather than to defend an opinion thoughtlessly absorbed over many centuries. May those who recognize that I have performed a worthwhile task interpret this frank liberty of mine kindly; may those who judge otherwise forgive one who means well. Meanwhile, I desire that my arguments, such as they are, upon which I rely throughout this entire work, be weighed original: "ἄνευ παθῶν" (aneu pathon) without prejudice or passion, while the following are called into counsel: the Speculator (Speculator): Referring to Guglielmo Durante and his influential legal work, the 'Speculum Iudiciale' and Giovanni d'Andrea, under the title Concerning Sorcery (de Sortilegijs): A specific section of canon law dealing with divination and magic; or the Summists (Summistae): Authors of legal or theological compendiums known as 'Summae', such as the Cardinal of Ostia, Geoffroi de Trani, and Reinerius in his Summary on Sorcery; or the Canon in chapters 1 and 2, where Albericus follows Giovanni d'Andrea regarding sorcery among the ancients; and Albericus in his 55th counsel, the first volume beginning "Such a case," and through Oldrado in his 210th counsel beginning "Regularly"; or even more recent authors following the gloss on the chapter beginning "Accused," in the section on the origins of heretics; Albericus de Rosate in his Dictionary under the word "Sorcery"; or Boniface de Vitalini in the title Concerning Sorcery in his Treatise on Crimes; or Matteo d’Afflitto in the Neapolitan Constitutions regarding bad and harmful medications, in the third part; likewise his student Grillandus; or even the second book of Silvestro Prieras Concerning Witch-Mages (de Strigomagis): A term used by Prieras to describe what he believed were heretical witches; or Bonaventure on the Third Book of Sentences. With what supports any of these authors has fortified his writings, the fair-minded reader will understand more clearly by a comparison of these books.

Furthermore, regarding the subject and matter itself, since it looks toward the teaching of the truth, the peace of the Church of Christ, and the benefit of one's neighbor, there is no need for me to plead at length; for the nature of the matter is such that, however much—