PRELIMINARY DEFINITION OF MAGIC.

LEMEGETON OR THE LITTLE KEY OF KING SOLOMON.

original: "Lemegeton vel Clavicula Salomonis Regis"

MAGIC is the highest, most absolute, and most divine knowledge of Natural Philosophy The study of nature and the physical universe, which was the precursor to modern science.. It is advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right understanding of the inward and secret original: "occult" virtues of things; so that when true active agents are applied to the proper passive subjects, strange and admirable effects are produced. Because of this, magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature. Due to their skill, they know how to produce an effect original: "anticipate an effort" which, to the common people, shall seem to be a miracle.

Origen An early Christian scholar and theologian (c. 184–253 AD). says that the Magical Art does not contain anything substantial in itself; but even if it did, it must not be considered evil or subject to contempt or scorn. He distinguishes Natural Magic from that which is Diabolical.

Apollonius of Tyana A Greek Neopythagorean philosopher and reputed miracle-worker from the 1st century AD. only practiced Natural Magic, through which he performed wonderful things.

Philo the Jew original: "Philo Hebraeus"; a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher from Alexandria. says that true Magic—by which we arrive at an understanding of the secret works of Nature—is so far from being contemptible that the greatest monarchs and kings have studied it. Indeed, among the Persians, no one was allowed to reign unless he was skillful in this GREAT ART.

1. This Preliminary Definition of Magic is found in very few manuscripts (codices) and was likely written later than the main body of the work.
2. Or "Actives."
3. Or "Passives."
4. Or "Effect."