From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordThe discovery of occult secrets explicitly placed within a lawful Christian art.
- In the bookMagia supplies the wider distinction between natural and diabolical kinds.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 31; facsimile PDF page 359.
Historical definition
Magia Metaphysica is an art lawful for Christians to use, by which hidden secrets are discovered.
Meaning
The adjective metaphysical does not make this an automatic synonym for the unlawful magic condemned elsewhere. The compiler expressly allows Christians to use this art. Occult describes the secrets as hidden; it does not, by itself, assign their discovery to evil spirits.
Use in the book
Magia supplies the wider distinction between natural and diabolical kinds. Magoreum names a magical medicine or secret, but supplies no procedure. The three entries distinguish an account of knowledge, a permitted art, and a named medicinal secret.
Places to read
- Magia MetaphysicaRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- MagiaMagic divided into lawful natural wisdom and forbidden knowledge through evil spirits.
- MagoreumA medicine or secret designated as magical.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 31; facsimile PDF page 359 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 359, Magia Metaphysica