From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAn illusion-producing art condemned as superstitious.
- In the bookMagia’s general entry divides natural wisdom from an unlawful diabolical kind.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 24; facsimile PDF page 352.
Historical definition
Græca Magia is a superstitious art invented by the Greeks, through which they made things appear that were did not really exist.
Meaning
The historical account combines an attribution, an action and a judgement. The art is attributed to the Greeks, is said to produce appearances without corresponding reality, and is called superstitious. Those are the compiler’s classifications, not independent conclusions supplied by this edition.
The appearance/reality contrast is the useful distinction for reading a passage. The definition does not describe a particular trick, instrument or ceremonial process.
Use in the book
Magia’s general entry divides natural wisdom from an unlawful diabolical kind. Sortilegium concerns a presage by spirits, while Imaginatio receives its own astral definition. These related subjects should not simply replace Græca Magia’s specific account of deceptive appearance.
Places to read
- Græca MagiaRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- ImaginatioImagination described through human, celestial and supercelestial relations.
- MagiaMagic divided into lawful natural wisdom and forbidden knowledge through evil spirits.
- SortilegiumForetelling mediated by spirits.
In this edition
The modernised definition retains the historical attribution without turning it into a general judgement about Greek thought or the practices of every Greek author.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 24; facsimile PDF page 352 — Facsimile