From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordA practitioner of spirit-calling, condemned as superstitious by the dictionary.
- In the bookNecromancy and Nigromancy receive fuller and disapproving descriptions elsewhere.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 21; facsimile PDF page 349.
Historical definition
Exorcista is a superstitious practitioner who calls up spirits.
Meaning
The compiler’s judgement is part of the gloss. The practitioner is called superstitious and defined through calling up spirits. The entry supplies no ceremony, intention or description of the beings called.
Use in the book
Necromancy and Nigromancy receive fuller and disapproving descriptions elsewhere. Magia is divided into a lawful natural wisdom and an unlawful diabolical kind. These entries show that the dictionary evaluates practices as well as naming them. Exorcista should be read within that historical classification rather than as an endorsement.
Places to read
- ExorcistaRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- MagiaMagic divided into lawful natural wisdom and forbidden knowledge through evil spirits.
- NecromancyA condemned art defined by the appearance and interrogation of the dead.
- NigromancyApparent command of spirits, condemned as harmful to those who exercise it.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 21; facsimile PDF page 349 — Facsimile