Trithemius's catalog of necromantic books

Edited by Joseph H. Peterson, 2009. Last updated Oct 9, 2024.

Translation copyright © 2024 by Joseph H. Peterson. All rights reserved.

This catalog is from Johann Trithemius's Antipalus Maleficiorum ("Defense against Black Magic"), Book I, chapter iii. It was written in 1508, but not published until 1605. It is still one of the best resources on the subject of late-Medieval magic.

24 of the 103 titles were listed in the much-earlier Speculum Astronomiae ("Spec. Astron.", circa 1270), sometimes attributed to Albertus Magnus.

Twelve of these titles are preserved in the Ghent University ms. BHSL.HS.1021. See notes below.

This edition:

Latin text based on copy in the Bavarian State Library.

Each item is tagged #itemXX, and can be linked. E.g. https://www.esotericarchives.com/tritheim/antipalus.htm#item55.

Other editions:

References:






Libri magici

[1] Claviculæ Salomonis prænotatum volumen, quod incipit: Recordare fili mi Roboam, Salomon Rex Hierusalem neque composuit, neque vidit unquam, & tamen eius nomini circumfertur inscriptum. Et quid continet, nisi vana, stulta, conficta et aperta mendacia? promittens omnia, & nihil præstans operantibus in eo, nisi deceptionem, conscientiam læsam, & animam dæmonibus penitus subiectam. Quicunque illud opus composuit, indoctus, & Christianæ religionis desertor fuit, quoniam /293/ ut oratio contra instituta Grammaticorum est incongrua, et characteres, simul & nomina dęmonum per totum habentur inscripta.

Books of Magic

[1] There is a volume titled The Keys of Solomon, which begins: “Be mindful, O my son Roboam.” Solomon, king of Jerusalem neither composed it, nor saw it at any time, and yet it is distributed with his name inscribed on it. And what it contains is nothing but worthless, foolish, sham, and obvious falsehoods, promising all things, and delivering nothing to those working in it, other than deception, wounded conscience, and a soul subject to with demons lying nearby. Whoever composed this work was uneducated and a deserter of the Christian religion, because the language is inconsistent with the conventions of grammar, and at the same time the characters and names of demons have been inscribed throughout.

(eTK 1342D).

The earliest reference seems to be 1303-10 in Peter of Abano's Lucidator dubitabilium astronomiae. Numerous manuscripts and printed editions of Clavicula Salomonis exist. See Home#clavicula.

The oldest ms (dated 1446) seems to be BnF Ital. 1524, fol. 181r-235v (Italian). Edition in Gal, Florence, Jean-Patrice Boudet, and Laurence Moulinier-Brogi. "Vedrai mirabilia": un libro di magia del Quattrocento. Roma: Viella, 2017, pp. 362-419. Also:

W-EP: "Der König Salomo spielte im magischen Schrifttum eine große Rolle. Man sieht ihn anscheinend schon am Ende der hellenistischen Zeit auftauchen, in welche Zeit ein Testamentum Salomonis hinaufgeschoben wird. Gott schickte dem jüdischen König einen Zauberring durch Raphael und Salomo beschwor durch diesen die Dämonen, sich ihm in ihrem Amt und ihren Leistungen zu offenbaren. Im zwölften oder dreizehnten Jahrhundert erscheint, zusammengeschrieben mit dem Testamentum, ein Schlüssel Salomonis; die Handschrift Lemegeton oder eines Lesser Key of Salomon im Britischen Museum wird um etwa 1700 angesetzt."

("King Solomon played a large role in the magical writings. We see him show up apparently already at the end of the Hellenistic period, to which time Testamentum Salomonis belongs. God sent the Jewish king a magic ring by Raphael, and Solomon commanded these demons to reveal to him their offices and services. In the twelfth or thirteenth century appear written together with the Testament, a Key of Solomon. The manuscript Lemegeton or Lesser Key of Solomon in the British Museum is placed at around 1700.") -W-EP.

[2] Liber quoque Officiorum, qui incipit: Multi sapientes tractaverunt. Quam sit vanus, confictus, & mendacio plenus, nemo est vel mediocriter doctus, qui non intelligat. Et quis Sapiens illum sine risu vel audire, vel legere posset, in quo dęmones distinguuntur in quatuor Imperatores, Reges quoque multos, Duces, Marchiones, & Comites. Quis denique ferat opinionem Sanctorum his spurcitiis & superstitionibus mendaciter, & iniustè obfuscari, ut dicantur, vel credantur, Adam, Seth, Noe, Thare, Abraham, Moyses, David, Salomon, Ezechiel, Daniel, & reliqui Patriarcharum & Prophetarum artibus dæmoniacis impendisse operam, tabulasque Schemhamphoras, & similia composuisse deliramenta, quemadmodum hi maledicti confingunt?

[2] Likewise, The Book of the Offices, which begins, “Many wise men have discussed.” The which is worthless, sham, and full of falsehoods, nor is it remotely learned nor intelligible. And which wise person can read or hear it without laughing. In it demons are divided into four emperors, likewise many kings, dukes, marquises, and counts. Finally who can make the beliefs of the saints falsely and unjustly darkened by these obscenities and false superstitions, that Adam, Seth, Noah, Terah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the rest of the Patriarchs and Prophets were devoted to the demonic arts, and the tables of the Schemhamphoras, and collected such absurdities, as these disreputable people suppose?

[2] Not identified. This Liber officiorum is apparently different from the better known text described in item [33].

[3] Est & aliud volumen decem continens libros partiales, quod sic incipit: Progressus divinæ conditionis. Cuius auctor se magistrum Iob de Arabi nuncupat. In quo tanta promittuntur miranda, quanta vix homo cogitare posset, ministerio & arte dæmonum patranda. Quæ omnia non solum vana & stulta, sed etiam prorsus impersuasibilia videntur. Imitatur in parte Picatridem rebus et characteribus simul & coniurationibus infinita componens mendacia.

[3] And there is another volume containing ten partial books, which begins thus, “Of the advance of the divine condition.” The author of which calls himself the master Job from Arabia. In it so many wonders are promised, that one can scarcely imagine, accomplished by the ministry and art of demons. Which is not only worthless and foolish in all respects, but is also absolutely unconvincing. It imitates in part the Picatrix by composing infinite lies with things and characters at the same time, and conjurations.

[3] No copies known.

[4] Picatrix vero magnum composuit volumen librorum quatuor, quod sic incipit: Ut sapiens /294/ ait. Primum quid agere debeamus. ex ducentis et 24 sicut dicit, veterum libris anno Christianorum M.CCLVI ex Arabico in latinum traductum, in quo multa continentur frivola, superstitiosa & diabolica in fronte sermonis aperti, quamvis etiam naturalia quædam videantur intermixta. Orationes facit ad spiritus planetarum; imagines quoque & annulos cum multis & variis characteribus. Quæ omnia sancta mater Ecclesia condemnat, ut illicita et superstitiosa.

[4] Picatrix is truly a huge volume comprising four books, which begins thus, “As the sage has said, ‘we must first do.” And it likewise says it was translated from the Arabic into Latin in year 1256 of the Christian era, from 224 books of the ancients, which contains many frivolous, superstitious, and devilish things in the front of open discussion, although certain natural elements seem to be intermingled. It makes prayers to the planetary spirits, likewise images and rings with many and various characters. All of which the Holy Mother Church condemns, as illicit and superstitious.

[4] (eTK 1622K): BL, Sloane ms. 1305.

Extant in many manuscripts and printed editions. See Picatrix.

[5] Item est opus 7 librorum, quod nuncupatur Sepher Razielis, & incipit sic: Dixit Salomon, gloria laus cum multo honore sit Domino omnium creatori. Et hoc opus multa tractat de spiritibus & promittit magna, plenumque est vanitate & superstitione.

[5] Likewise there is a work of seven books which is called Sepher Raziel, and it begins thus, “Solomon said, may glorious praise and much honor be to the Lord, Creator of all things.” And this work deals much with spirits, and it promises much, and is full of boasts and superstition.

[5] (eTK 0457N).

Extant in many manuscripts. See Raziel.

[6] Deinde est liber Hermetis, quem angelicum vocant, sive Angelorum, sive librum occultum quem fingunt ante diluvium à tribus Angelis compositum, et incipit: Hic est liber magnus atque secretus. Continet autem sub 28 mansionibus lunę, & 12 signis Zodiaci multa conficta & vana nomina Angelorum duodecim altitudinum, & quicquid curiositas humana concupiscere possit audacter more talium ribaldorum pollicetur.

[6] Then there is the Liber Hermetis (Book of Hermes), which they call Angelic, or of the angels, or the Hidden Book, which they composed before the Great Flood by three angels, and it begins, “This is the great and secret book.” Moreover it contains under the 28 Mansions of the Moon and the 12 Signs of the Zodiac many sham and worthless names of the twelve angels of the altitudes, and whatever human curiosity can covet, such ruffians will boldly promise.

[6] Extant in Coxe 25, pp. 3-40 (end of the 15th century).

[7] Alius est liber, qui nominatur Puritatum Dei, quem Razielem Angelum confingunt revelasse Adæ pœnitenti, & multum concordat cum libro jam scripto, incipitque sic: Adam exulauit à paradyso. Est autem totus vanus, & nominibus ignotis & superstitione plenus, orationes & characteres continens, promittitque multa curiosa, & penitus impossibilia. /295/

[7] There is another book, which is called Of the Purities of God, which they pretend was revealed to the repentant Adam by the angel Raziel, and it corresponds closely with the book described above (i.e. [5]), and it begins thus, “He expelled Adam from Paradise.” However it is completely worthless, and full of unknown names and superstition, containing prayers and characters, and it promises many curious and thoroughly impossible things.

[7] Thorndike 1947, p. 254; (eTK 0065G)

J-PB: ... incipit of the prologue of the liber Samayn, sixth book of the Latin translation of the Liber Razielis, preserved separately in the ms. Munich, Clm 51, fol. 111-123v (15th century) and in the ms. Amsterdam, BPH114, pp. 138-173.

[8] Postea est unum opus, quod appellant librum perfectionis Saturni, & incipit: Inuenit Abel filius Adæ hunc librum. Quam stulta & temeraria præsumptio perditorum hominum, qui sancto & innocenti Abel suas superstitiones non verentur adscribere.

[8] Next, there is one work which they call The Book of the Perfection of Saturn, and it begins: “Able, the son of Adam discovered this book. How foolish and careless the presumption of these reckless men, who are not afraid to attribute their superstitions to the holy and innocent Abel.

[8] Possibly Liber Saturni, seventh part of the Liber septem planetarum ex scientia Abel, but the incipit differs.

[9] Item est liber alius pestifer 4 Regum, ex dęmonum numero præenotatus, cuius initium est varium, & nunc quidem incipit sic: Quicunque magicæ artis. Apud alios vero aliter inchoatur. Et hoc maledictum opus S. Martyri Cypriano audent adscribere, quod ultimo supplicio esset vetandum.

[9] Likewise there is another pestilential Book of the Four Kings, titled that from the number of demons, the beginning of which varies, and one begins thus: “Whoever of the magical art.” Others begin otherwise. And they dare to attribute this cursed work to saint Cyprian the Martyr, which was to be forbidden with the supreme penalty.

[9] (eTK 1603G).

Preserved in 2 mss.:

[10] Est etiam liber, qui prænotatur Ars calculatoria Virgilii, per quam se nomen & characterem boni & mali spiritus uniuscuiusque hominis posse calculare et inuenire promittunt. Qui & coniurationes & characteres dæmonum continet plures, & incipit: Calculatione nunquam fatigatus aut lassatus fui. Sed verè tenendum est, quod nunquam Virgilius viderit eum, sicut in principio patet.

[10] Also there is a book, which is titled the Art of Calculation of Virgil, which promises that they themselves can calculate and discover the names and characters of good and evil spirits. And it contains more conjurations and characters of demons, and it begins: “I have never been wearied or tired with the calculation.” But certainly it should be maintained that Virgil never had anything to do with it, as is obvious from the beginning.

[10] Not identified.

[11] Item est liber Simoni Mago inscriptus, qui sic incipit: Cum itaque essem in Iudæa. Continet autem vana, superstitiosa, conficta & ementita omnia, multa promittens per dæmones, quę nihil aliud sunt nisi mendacia et curiosorum deceptiones.

[11] Likewise there is inscribed the Book of Simon Magus, which begins thus, “When therefore I was in Judea.” Moreover it contains worthless, superstitious, sham, and utterly false things, by promising much through daemons, which are nothing other than unless falsehoods and the deceptions of the deceivers.

[11] Not identified.

[12] Præterea est volumen nescio cui Ruperto inscriptum, quatuor continens libros, & nominatur, Thesaurus spirituum, in dæmonum characteribus, nominibusque ludens multa pollicetur temeritate omnimodam malignorum /296/ spirituum obedientiam, quotiens ejus ministerio fuerint ad circulum vocati. Incipit autem: Ego Rupertus Lombardus. Alii vero codices aliud habent principium, videlicet: Incipit tractatus Necromantiæ cum nota.

[12] Moreover there is a volume attributed to one Robert, I know not which, that contains four books, and is titled The Treasury of Spirits, playing with the characters and names of demons, very rashly promising the obedience of various sorts of evil spirits, whenever they are called to the circle with their ministry. Moreover it begins, “I Robert Lombard.” But other codices have a different beginning, namely, “Here begins the treatise on Necromancy with notes.”

J-PB: [12] Preserved in several mss.:

[13] Est & liber spiritualium operum, qui adscribitur Aristoteli philosopho, & sic incipit: Cuilibet populo septem climatum. Multa continent ad rationem astronomiæ pertinentia, sed ad coniurationem dæmonum vanissimè, stultissimèque licet cum labore contorta.

[13] And there is The Book of Spiritual Works, which is ascribed to the philosopher Aristotle, and begins thus: “To any people of the seven regions.” They contain many things pertinent to the reckoning of astronomy, but it is very frivolously and foolishly allowed to be mixed up with the conjurations of demons.

[13] (eTK 0275K).

J-PB: [13] Preserved in London, BL Sloane ms. 3854, fol. 88-96v, 98-101 and 105v-111v (15th century) and edited by C. Burnett in t. IV.4 of Hermes Latinus, Astrologia et diuinatoria, Turnhout, 2001, p. 195-221.

[14] Item est opus magnum, quod prænotatur, Flos florum, in plures libros divisum; quod continet varias dæmonum coniurationes, nomina & characteres. Multa quoque perniciosa & diabolica experimenta, quæ penitus sunt contemnenda, quoniam Christianæ religioni omnino sunt contraria, & sic incipit: Flos florum & experimentum omnium.

[14] Likewise there is a huge work which is titled The Flower of Flowers, divided into a number of books, which contains various conjurations, names, and characters of daemons. Likewise many destructive and many devilish experiments, which are thoroughly contemptible, because they are completely opposite to the Christian religion, and it begins thus:” The flower of flowers and of all experiments.”

J-PB: [14] Possibly Sloane 314, fol. 106v (15th century). See also the ms. Leipzig, Stadtsbibliothek 725 (17th century).

[15] Ad eandem vanissimam superstitionem est liber Almadal Solomoni adscriptus, qui sic incipit: Inuenimus illuminationem spiritus sancti. Narrantur enim spurca mendacia in eo, quæ dæmoniaca sunt omnia, & merito procul ab Ecclesia Dei remouenda.

[15] Of the same most worthless superstition is the book Almadal (aka Almandal or Almadel) attributed to Solomon, which begins thus: “We have discovered through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.” Indeed depraved falsehoods are narrated in it, which are demonic in all respects, and should rightly be excised far from the Church of God.

[15] Almadel is extant in many manuscripts and a critical edition by Julien Véronèse. The Halle ms. U.L.S.A., 14.B.36 fols. 230r-233r closely matches Trithemius's incipit. See Gehr, Damaris Aschera, «Gaudent brevitatem moderni»: Rielaborazioni della teoria magica nel tardo medioevo sull'esempio dell'Almandal di Salomone in Società e storia 2013, p. 4 et passim.

[16] Porro est liber fictitius, qui adscribitur Enoch, continens fabulosam narrationem de stellis quindecim, earum herbis ac characteribus, lapidibusque per quorum scientiam vanissimam, ut cæteri, curiosa promittit. Ex cuius principio auctoris stultitia cognoscitur. Incipit enim sic: Ego Enoch tanquam unus ex Prophetis & philosophis, propono gratia Messiæ, qui post me venturus est. /297/

[16] Next there is a book of fiction which is attributed to Enoch, containing a fabled account of the fifteen stars, their herbs, characters, and stones through the most worthless knowledge of which he promises, like others, curious things. The foolishness of the author can be known from the very beginning. But it begins thus: “I Enoch as one of the prophets and philosophers, propose with the grace of the Messiah, who is coming soon after me.”

[16] (eTK 0499G): BL, Harley ms. 1612, ff. 15r-17v.

Edited in Louis Delatte, Textes latins et vieux français relatifs aux Cyranides, Bibliothèque de la Faculté de Philosophie et Lettres de l’Université de Liège 93 (Liège/Paris: E. Droz, 1942), 276–88. See Lorenzo DiTommaso, "Echos of Enoch in Early Modern England" p. 57.

[17] Liber quoque annulorum, septem planetarum, qui adscribitur Messalæ, & incipit: Cum operari volueris. Omnia sunt vana, quę continet, superstitiosa, & Christiano penitus abiicienda.

[17] Likewise there is the Book of the Rings of the Seven Planets, which is ascribed to Messala, and it begins: “When you wish to work.” All things which it contains are worthless, superstitious, and should be abandoned thoroughly by Christians.

[17] Extant in a few manuscripts. See Messala.

[18] Alius liber est quatuor annulorum Solomonis, de quo perditissimi homines dæmonum inuocatores multum gloriantur, quem tamen nihil contineat nisi vana & superstitiosa. Incipit autem sic: Quatuor sunt annuli ad Idææ.

[18] There is another book, The Four Rings of Solomon, concerning which the most degenerate people, invocators of daemons, greatly boast, yet it contains only worthless and superstitious things. Moreover it begins thus, “There are four rings about Ydeas.”

[18] This seems to be the same as Ydea Salomonis aka de quattuor annulis (so also “Albertus Magnus”) Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 241, 245.

Extant in:

  • ? SSM L.2.f.42;
  • Coxe 25 pp. 39-70;
  • V Pal. Lat. 1196 fol. 1v-2r;
  • Florence BN II.III.214 ff. 26v-29v;
  • Prague, The National Library of the Czech Republic, XIII.F.24, 101r-112r;
  • Florence (BML), Plut. 89, sup. 38. ff 211r-224v.

See Sofer, Gal. “Hebrew ‘Solomonic Magic’: The Case of the Ydea Salomonis.” in Magic and Language, edited by Yuval Harari and Gerold Necker (2024).

[19] Liber, qui dicitur speculum Ioseph, in quo visio promittitur in ipso speculo personalis. Vanus, superstitiosus & impius est, ideoque & illicitus. Incipit autem sic: Si cupis videre omnia.

[19] A book, which is called the Mirror of Joseph, in which is promised a vision in a person’s own mirror. It is worthless, superstitious, and wicked, and therefore forbidden. Moreover it begins thus, “If you wish to see all.”

[19] Not identified.

[20] Liber etiam, qui vocatur speculum Alexandri Magni Regis Macedonum simili malignitate perfidorum compositus & confictus est, incipit autem sic: Huius magni secreti.

[20] Also a book which is called the Mirror of Alexander the Great, King of the Macedonians, composed with similar malicious heresies and shams. Nevertheless it begins thus, “Of this great secret.”

[20] Not identified.

[21] Item est liber secretorum Hermetis Hispani, qui incipit: Qui cum spiritibus loqui desiderat, opus est similiter vanum, superstitiosum & diabolicum, characteribus & dęmonum coniurationibus plenum.

[21] Item, there is the Book of Secrets of the Spanish Hermes, which begins, “Whoso desires to speak with spirits.” This work is similarly worthless, superstitious, and devilish, with characters and full of conjurations of demons.

[21] Not identified.

[22] Item est volumen magnum in multos diuisum libros atque tractatus compositum à quodam Ungario* [Berengario] Ganello, qui prænotauit ipsum, summam magicæ, et incipit sic: Magica est scientia arctandi spiritus malignos et benignos** per nomen Dei. Bone Deus, quam stulta, friuola & superstitiosa auctor ille ex omnibus aliis comportauit in unum, quo se militem dæmonum ostenderet, non Dei. Item circumferunt homines isti perniciosi complures libros & tractatus /298/ diabolicos cuiusdam Tozigei, quem alii nominant Toez Græcus, de quibus pæne omnes suas confirmant superstitiones.

[22] Item, there is a huge book divided into many books and treatises by a certain Berengar Ganell, who titled it, The Compendium of Magic, and it begins thus: “Magic is the science of constraining good and evil spirits through the name of God.” Good God, how much foolish, frivolous, and superstitious matter did this author collect together from others into one place, by which he has shown himself to be a soldier of the demons, not of God. Likewise, men spread around many of these same destructive and devilish treatises attributed to a certain Tozigeus, who is otherwise known as Toez the Greek, which merely reinforce all their superstitions.

[22] I.e. Summa Sacrę Magicę of Berengar Ganell. This is known from 3 manuscripts.

*B'ngario = B[ere]ngario. Cf. Gilly.

**bonos.

[23] Est liber cuiusdam Michaelis Scoti, in quo promittitur, diabolo docente, omnium rerum scientia: in quo nihil est non superstitiosum & diabolicum; Incipit antem [*autem] sic: Si volueris per spiritum habere.

[23] There is a book of a certain Michael Scot, in which is promised, with the devil teaching, the knowledge of all things, in which is nothing that is not superstitious and devilish. Moreover it begins thus: “If you wish to have something by means of a spirit.”

[23] (eTK1477J): Preserved in:

J-PB: [23] Cf. TK, col. 1477, incipit very close to that of the Experimentum Michaelis Scoti nigromantici (Si uolueris per demones habere scientiam), edited by J. W. Brown, An Enquiry into the life and legend of Michael Scot, Edinburgh, 1897, pp. 231-234, according to the ms. Florence, Bibl. Laurent., Plut. 89 sup. 38, fol. 294v-298, dated 1494. This text corresponds to the experimentum n° 1, incomplete from the beginning, published by Kieckhefer, Forbidden Rites, pp. 193-196.

[24] Item est liber, qui incipit: antequam incipias, quem Alberto fallaciter & mendaciter adscripsit, qui composuit author; in quo more cæterorum coniurationes dæmonum vanissimæ traduntur.

[24] Likewise there is a book which begins: “Before you may begin,” which is falsely and deceptively attributed to Albertus, which the author composed, in which way are delivered other quite worthless conjurations of daemons.

[24] Not identified.

[25] Est alius liber, quem Alberti prænotant, de inuisibilitate, spurcitia & superstitione plenus, qui sic incipit: Adiuro vos tres Principes. Alia quoque multa volumina Necromantiæ & Magicę isti maledici non solum Alberto Magno falso & mendaciter adscribunt, verum etiam aliis viris sanctis atque doctissimis, qui talia nunquam cogitarunt. Quin potius mihi constat Albertum virum sanctum libros talium semper condemnasse.

[25] There is another book, which is attributed to Albert, titled Concerning Invisibility, full of filth and superstition, which begins thus: “I adjure you three Princes.” Likewise these same slanderers falsely and wrongly attribute many other volumes of necromancy and magic not only to Albert the Great, but also to other holy and most learned men, who never had such views. Rather it is clear to me that the holy man Albert always condemned such books.

[25] (eTK 0880D): Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Magliabech. XVI.75, ff. 42r-43v.

In margin: Albertus Magnus Magicos libros damnauit. ("Albert the Great haa condemned the books of magic.")

[26] Item est liber, praenotatus Elucidarium Necromantiæ Petri de Apono medici Paduani, Conciliatoris dicti, de quo fabulosa multa dicuntur. In quo nihil sanum continetur, sed vana & superstitiosa sunt omnia, per annos, menses, dies & horas singulas confingens ad coniurationes sibi noua dæmonia, spiritus nomina simul & opera. Incipit autem sic: Multi experimentatores diuersimodè. Sunt et alia plura superstitiosa volumina huic Petro inscripta, quorum sit auctor quicumque fuerit. Vanus & superstitiosus erat per omnia.

[26] Likewise there is a book titled the Elucidation of Necromancy of Peter of Abano, the Paduan physician, called “the Conciliator,” of whom many fictitious things are said. In which nothing sound is held, but only worthless and superstitious things, through inventing years, months, days, and hours, to conjurations to oneself, new demons, spirit names, and at the same time work. Moreover it begins thus: “Many experienced people labor in diverse ways.” And there are yet other superstitious volumes attributed to this Peter, or whomever the author may be. It is worthless and superstitious throughout.

[26] (eTK 0886K):

See Heptameron. Extant in several manuscripts and a new printed edition.

This seems to be the earliest reference to the Elucidarium – a precursor to the so-called Heptameron seu elementa magica of pseudo-Peter of Abano.

[27] Item est liber perfidia & stultitia plenus incerti /299/ auctoris, quem prænotaverunt, secretum Philosophorum, & incipit sic: Incipit magnum secretum, in quo stultissimae operationes dæmonum continentur.

[27] Likewise there is a book full of unfaithfulness and folly of the uncertain author, which they have titled, The Secret of the Philosophers, and it begins thus: “Here begins the Great Secret,” which contains the most foolish operations of demons.

[27] Preserved in about fifteen manuscripts, see Thorndike II, pp. 788-791 and 811-812.

[28] Similiter est liber, qui incipit sic: Schemhamphoras, ut dicunt doctores, est nomen, quod timent. Non continet nomen sui auctoris, & est fictitius totus & vanus, ementita veterum sub nominibus exprimens documenta Schemhamphoras, quæ vanissimus auctor ad coniurandos spiritus confinxit.

[28] Similarly there is a book which begins thus: “The Schemhamphoras, as the teachers call it, is the name which they fear.” It does not specify the name of its author, and is entirely artificial and worthless, fabricated of the ancients under the names expressing the Schemhamphoras instructions, which the most worthless author invented for conjuring spirits.

[28] This book was attested in 1260 by Roger Bacon, and mentioned by the Latin Liber Razielis (ms VRL 1300 36v). Preserved in:

[29] Item est liber Salomoni adscriptus, qui nominatur Lamene [*Lamem]: in quo rerum omnium scientia promittitur per orationes & ministeria spirituum. Vanus est totus, & sic incipit: Salomon rex prudentissimus.

[29] Likewise there is a book attributed to Solomon, which is named The Lamen, in which is promised the knowledge of all things through prayers and ministries of spirits. It is completely worthless. And it begins thus: “The most wise king Solomon.”

[29] Not identified.

[30] Item est alius liber de compositione nominum atque characterum malignorum spirituum, similiter vanus & superstitiosus, cuius nomen authoris non inveni, & sic incipit: Ad habendum scientiam, experimentum.

[30] Likewise there is another Book of the Composition of Names and Characters of the Evil Spirits, similarly worthless and superstitious, I have not discovered the name of the author, and it begins thus: “For having knowledge, experiments.”

[30] Possibly (eTK 0042K): ms. Prague 1609 41v (15c).

J-PB: [30] Cf. TK, col. 42: this is the incipit of a treatise on magic cited in the ms. Prague 1609 (VIII. G. 27), fol. 41v (15th century). See supra, n. [22].

[31] Est quoque liber, qui appellatur Rubeus, qui tractat de variis dæmonum artibus & operationibus. Totus est vanus & diabolicus, confictus, consimilis libro officiorum, & incipit: Hic traditur generalis.

[31] Likewise there is a book which is called the Red Book, which draws on various arts and operations of daemons. The whole is worthless, devilish, and sham, similar to the Book of the Offices, and it begins, “Here is delivered the general.”

[31] No copies of Liber Rubeus identified.

[32] Et est liber mendaciter Alberto Magno adscriptus, quem stolidus auctor secretum Alberti prænotauit. In quo cuiusdam spiritus maligni familiaritas ad omnia promittitur, & incipit: In nomine patris, filii & spiritus.

[32] And then there is a book which has falsely been attributed to Albert the Great, which the stupid author has titled The Secret of Albert, in which the familiarity of certain wicked spirits is promised to all, and it begins, “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

[32] Not identified.

[33] Et est liber Salomoni adscriptus de officiis spirituum. Magnus & alius ab illo, quem superius nominaui, execrabilis & totus diabolicus, /300/ qui sic incipit: In hoc libro sunt secreta omnium artium.

[33] And there is a book attributed to Solomon Concerning the Offices of the Spirits. It is large and different from that which I have listed above, and is accursed and entirely devilish. And it begins thus: “In this book are the secrets of all arts.”

[33] See Weyer's edition. Many and varied mss and printed editions exist.

[34] Est quoque liber, dictus vinculum spirituum multas continens orationes & coniurationes, per quas vanissimi homines & perditi dæmonas se posse constringere ad omnimodam obedientiam confidunt. Hic liber sic incipit: De vinculo spirituum non est silendum.

[34] Likewise there ia a book called The Chain of Spirits, containing many prayers and conjurations, through which the most untrustworthy and reckless persons are confident they can bind demons to obey themselves in everything. This book begins thus: “Concerning the chain of the spirits, one must not be silent.”

[34] The Vinculum Salomonis – “the bond (or chain) of Solomon” appears in many versions in magic texts. The version in Munich CLM 10085 dates from around 1400. It consists of many magic names in a framework of historiolas.

For discussion, see Florence Chave-Mahir and Julien Véronèse, Rituel d'exorcisme ou manuel de magie? Firenze: Sismel, 2015, p. 122-123.

[35] Item est liber pentaculorum Salomonis falso dictus, in quo ad coniurationes dæmonum agitur, continetque candarias et alia multa vana, & sic incipit: Quomodo & qualiter fiant pentacula.

[35] Likewise there is The Book of the Pentacles of Solomon falsely called, which is performed with the conjurations of demons, and it contains candaries and many other worthless things, and it begins thus: “How and in which way should pentacles be made.”

[35] No copies identified.

[36] Et est liber Torzigei [*Toz Graeci] de stationibus ad cultum Veneris, etiam vanus et superstitiosus, multa promittens, qui sic incipit: Commemoratio historiarum.

[36] And there is a book of Torzigeus (*Toz the Greek) Concerning the Stations for the Cult of Venus, also worthless and superstitious, promising much, which begins thus: “The recollection of the histories.”

[36] (eTK 0236M).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245. J-PB: Preserved in a mutilated form in the ms. Venice, Bibl. N. Marz., lat. XIV. 174 (4606), fol. 22V-24 (14th century). See Ermete, p. 84-86; Weill-Parot, p. 48.

[37] Et est alius eiusdem de quatuor speculis, in quo similiter omnia superstitione sunt plena, & incipit: Obserua Venerem cum venerit ad Pleiades.

[37] And there is another of the same sort, Concerning the Four Mirrors, which is also full of superstitions, and it begins, “Observe Venus when she enters the constellation Pleiades.”

[37] (eTK 0974K).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

Extant in Cod. Guelf. 943 Helms 21rt.

J-PB: Preserved in three manuscripts, two of which are medieval. See Ermete, p. 86-89: Weill-Parot, p. 49.

[38] Item est liber alius eiusdem Totz Graeci, siue dicatur Tozigæi, ut quidam volunt, quem prænotauit de imagine Veneris, qui incipit: Observa Venerem, cum intrabit thoram (*Taurum). Et sicut dictum est superius, multa reperiuntur & eius vana opuscula.

[38] Likewise there is another book of the same Totz the Greek (or Tozigaeus, as some prefer), which is titled Concerning the Image of Venus, which begins, “Observe Venus when it enters Taurus.” And as said before, many of these worthless little pamphlets may be found.

[38] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

  • (eTK 0974J) Erfurt/Gotha, Amplonian Collection Q.386 (14c)
  • (eTK 0974K) Flor., Laur., Ashb. and App. 131 (205-137), 14c, f. 3v

J-PB: Preserved in four medieval manuscripts. See TK, col. 974; Ermete, p. 89-91; Weill-Parot, p. 49.

[39] Est liber Salomonis de nouem candariis ad coniurationem dæmonum compositus, vanus & superstitiosus, qui sic incipit: Locus hic monet, ut dicamus.

[39] And there is a book of Solomon, Concerning the Nine Candariis, composed for conjuring demons, worthless and superstitious, which begins thus: “This place reminds us that we should say.”

[39] (eTK 0831N).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 241, 245.

Preserved in:

  • London, British Library, Sloane ms. 3850, ff. 68-75 (16th century).
  • Amst. Ros. 12.
  • BnF Ital 1524.
  • BHSL.HS.1021B.

[40] Eiusdem de tribus figuris spirituum est liber alius, qui sic incipit: Sum (*Sunt) de cœlestibus.

[40] Of sort is another book, Concerning the Three Figures of Spirits, which begins thus: “They are from the celestial bodies.”

[40] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 241, 245.

Extant in London, BL, Sloane ms. 3850 f. 70r.

[41] Et est liber Mahumeth, quem prænotauit, /301/ septem nominum, qui sic incipit: Dixit Mahumeth filius Abosen.

[41] And there is a book of Mohamed which is titled Of the Seven Names, which begins thus: “Mohamed the son of Aboses said.”

[41] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 244-246. Preserved in ms. Florence, BN, II.III.214, fol. 38-41 (15th century).

[42] Eiusdem est alius liber, qui sic incipit: Hæc sunt quindecim nomina. Titulus etiam libri est, Quindecim nominum.

[42] There is another such book, which begins thus: “These are the fifteen names.” The book is also titled Of the Fifteen Names.

[42] (eTK 0605P), (eTK 0606N).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 241, 247.

Preserved in the ms. Florence, BN, II.III.214, fol. 41-43v with the incipit Haec sunt nomina secreta XV (15c).

[43] Et est liber de capite Saturni ad Necromantiam & spirituum conuocationem pertinens, superstitiosus plane, qui sic incipit: Quicunque hoc secretissimum. Item circumferunt Necromantici plures alios libros suæ dementiæ testes diuersis auctoribus adscriptos, quorum per nomina facere mentionem nimis longum esset & tædiosum. Nam Salomoni plures adscribunt, quorum prænotationes silentio pertransiui, Hermeti quoque, Balemio, Razieli, Aristoteli, Platoni, Zoroastri, Rogorio Barhoni [*Rogerio Bachoni] Anglico, Ruperto Lombardo,1 Petro de Apono Paduano medico, Arcepio [*Artephio], Virgilio, Thebet Bemorat [*Thebiet Bencorat],1 multisque aliis, quos non est huius propositi ad unguem enumerare.

[43] And there is the Book Concerning the Head of Saturn for necromancy, and concerning the convocation of spirits, obviously superstitious, which begins thus: “Whoever this most secret.” Likewise the necromancers distribute more books like these, testifying to their madness, attributed to different authors, whose would be too long and tedious to mention. For they attribute several to Solomon, which I have previously passed over in silence, likewise to Hermes, to Balemius, Raziel, Aristotle, Plato, Zoroaster, Roger Bacon (the Englishman), Robert Lombard,2 Peter of Abano the Paduan physician, Artephius, Virgil, Thabit ibn Qurra, and many others, which is not my intention to enumerate in detail.

[43] (eTK 1237C).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 pp. 241, 247. No copies have been identified.

1. I.e. mathematician Thabit ibn Qurra (a.k.a. Thebit).

2. Or possibly, "Roger Bacon, Robertus Anglicus, [Peter] Lombard...." but see also item [12].

Magici libri non tegendi.

OMNES præscripti Necromanticorum libri, vani & pleni mendaciis sub nominibus præstantium virorum per ignauissimos & perditos nebulones, tenebrionesque confecti sunt ad deceptionem curiosorum hominum: & nihil continent veritatis, sed mendacia & dæmonum retia componunt, quibus animas capiant & perdant incautorum. Caue precor, nobilissime PRINCEPS, ne talium libros imitatione quorundam curiosorum legas, quorum lectio tibi plus nocumenti conferat, quam utilitatis. Commemoraui enim præscriptos maleficorum spurcissimos libros, non ut legas, sed ut fugias. Nam quicunque illorum delectatur /302/ studio ad hoc tertium genus maleficarum se norit pertinere. Libros enim cum voluptate legere dæmonum, quid aliud est quam semetipsum dæmonibus immolare?

CONSERVANDOS autem Necromanticorum libros Magnus ALBERTVS in opusculo suo de duabus sapientiis, siue speculum prænotato, quod incipit: Occasione quorundam librorum apud quos non est radix scientia, &c. consuluit necessaria conditione dicens. De libris verò Necromanticis, saluo iudicio melioris sententiæ videtur, magis quod debeant seruari quam destrui. Tempus est enim iam fortè, quod propter quasdam causas, quas modo taceo, eos saltem occasionaliter proderit inspexisse. Nihilominus ab eorum usu sibi caueant inspectores. Assentior huic Alberti consilio, ut si quando surrexerint aliqui talium rerum professores arte diabolica populum alicubi seducentes, propriis armis conuicti pœnas recipiant, quas meruerunt. Hoc tamen videtur obseruandum, ut vel in monasteriis, vel in Ecclesiis cathedralibus, aut certè in Gymnasiis custodiantur tali loco sub censura plurium, ut nulli sine causa rationabili ad eos pateat accessus.

Et scias, Magnifice PRINCEPS, quod sunt etiam alii plures libri vani & superstitiosi de componendis imaginibus, figuris, annulis, sigillis, & characteribus, sub certis constellationibus ad varios, mirandosque effectus pro bono & malo, quorum cum præscriptis nullam feci mentionem. Qui etsi cum dæmonibus nullam manifestam habeant communionem, /303/ tamen ratione modi, compositionis & usus vehementer est timendum, quod ad malum finem pertrahant in eis operantes, maximè ubi suffumigiis, coniurationibus, & characteribus agitur.

Magical books not to be covered.

W-EP: "Trithemii Catalogus fährt fort, daß außer diesen Büchern der Schwarzkunst es noch andere gebe, welche von der Anfertigung von Bildern, Figuren, Ringen, Siegeln unter bestimmten Konstellationen der Sterne und Planeten handeln. Wenn hier auch kein direkter Verkehr mit den Dämonen nötig sei, so könne doch die Art und Weise der Herstellung wie der Gebrauch zum Bösen führen -, und ich erinnere an Ficino und seine Bedenken, ob Talismane wirklich erlaubt seien oder nicht. Der Abt gibt ein Verzeichnis solcher Schriften:"

("Trithemius’s catalog adds that, in addition to these books of the black arts, there are others which deal with the making of images, figures, rings, seals, under certain constellations of stars and planets. If there also is no direct dealings with demons was necessary, it could yet lead the way in the production like the use of evil - and I recall Ficino and his concern about whether talismans were actually allowed or not. The abbot gives a list of such works:")

Libri de Magia suspecti.

[44] Unde ex libris Hermetis est unus, qui prænotatur, Liber præstigiorum Hermetis, in quo multa vana habentur, atque suspecta; qui sic incipit: Qui Geometriæ aut philosophiæ peritus, expers Astronomiæ.

Books of suspect magic

[44] Among the books of Hermes there is one which is titled, The Book of the Illusions of Hermes, in which are many worthless and suspect things, which begins thus: “Whoever is skilled in geometry or philosophy, but ignorant of astronomy.”

[44] (eTK 1207I).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243.

Preserved in three medieval manuscripts.

[45] Et alius eiusdem, qui sic incipit: Probaui tres libros, & agit de compositione imaginum, ut alii.

[45] And another of the same sort, which begins thus: “I have approved three books,” and it deals with the composition of images, like the others.

[45] (eTK 1136G). Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243. This is the Liber Lune, preserved in at least 7 medieval manuscripts. See Giralt, "The Liber Lune and the Liber Solis... (2017).

[46] Et est liber Abolemiten, de opere horarum, qui totus est vanitate & superstitione plenus, & sic incipit: Dixit Abolemiten, qui & Apollo dicitur.

[46] And there is a book of Abolemites, Concerning the Work of the Hours, the whole of which is full of emptiness and superstition, and it begins thus: “Abolemites, who is also called Apollo, said.”

[46] (eTK 0450J). Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243. Preserved in at least 3 medieval mss.

[47] Est liber eiusdem alius de 4 imaginibus, seorsum à præscripto, qui continet friuola, vana, & sic incipit: Differentia, in qua, &c..

[47] There is another book of the same, Concerning the Four Images, separate from the others, who contains frivolous and worthless content, and it begins thus: “The difference in which,” etc.

[47] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243. Preserved in about ten manuscripts. eTK 0429C.

[48] Est aliud volumen Hermetis de compositione imaginum, quod in plures libros diuiditur, & continet Imagines Mercurii omniumque planetarum, de annulis atque sigillis, & sic incipit: Dixit expositor huius libri, oportet quærentem substantiam.

[48] There is another volume of Hermes, Concerning the Composition of Images, which is divided into a number of books, and it contains the images of Mercury and of all the planets, concerning rings and sigils, and it begins thus: “The expositor of this book said, ‘It behooves one who searches for nature.’”

[48] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243. Preserved in at least 2 mss. (eTK 0451N).

[49] Item Hermetis volumen aliud, in multos etiam libros diuisum, quod prænotatur Liber Veneris, et continet varias compositiones, partim naturales, partim superstitiosas. Nec est finis vanitatum ejus. Incipit autem: Dixit compilator, quod Venus est, &c.

[49] Likewise there is another volume of Hermes, also divided into a number of books, which is titled The Book of Venus, and it contains various arrangements, partly natural, partly superstitious. Nor is there a limit to his vanity. But it begins, “The compiler said, because Venus is,” etc.

[49] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243.

[50] Et est alius liber Hermetis, qui prænotatur Liber Solis, continens similiter imagines, annulos, & characteres, & incipit: Lustraui imaginum scientias.

[50] And there is another book of Hermes, which is titled The Book of the Sun, similarly containing images, rings, and characters, and it begins, “I have inspected the teachings on images.”

[50] (eTK 0840J) Basel, Universitätsbibliothek F.II.10, ff. 180va-181vb (15c) .

Preserved in a dozen manuscripts.

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243.

[51] Item est liber imaginum Martis, quem Hermeti similiter /304/ adscribunt, qui sic incipit: Hic est liber Martis, quem tractat Hermes.

[51] Likewise there is The Book of the Images of Mars, which is similarly ascribed to Hermes, which begins thus: “This is the Book of Mars, which Hermes writes.”

[51] Part of Liber septem planetarum ex scientia Abel. It is preserved in two manuscripts.

(eTK 0616D): Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana 10803 ff. 60r-61r

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

[52] Est etiam alius eiusdem liber Iouis, qui sic incipit: Hic est liber Iouis, quem tractat Hermes.

[52] There is yet another Book of Jupiter, which begins thus: “This is the Book of Jupiter, which Hermes writes.”

[52] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

J-PB: [52] Liber Jouis follows Liber Martis in the Liber septem planetarum ex scientia Abel. Cf. supra, previous note.

[53] Item liber Saturni, qui sic incipit: Hic est liber Saturni, quem tractat Hermes.

[53] Likewise the Book of Saturn, which begins thus: “This is the Book of Saturn, which Hermes writes.”

[53] Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

Cf. supra, item [51].

[54] Est etiam alius eiusdem de imaginum compositione liber, qui sic incipit: Tractatus octavus in magisterio imaginum Hermetis.

[54] There is another of the same sort, Book Concerning the Composition of Images, which begins thus: “The eighth treatise on the instruction of the images of Hermes.”

[54] Not identified. Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 245.

[55] Et est liber Hermetis de annulis 7 planetarum, de qua Picatris multa suscepit, qui sic incipit: Diuisio Lunæ, quando semiplena fuerit.

[55] And there is The Book of Hermes Concerning the Rings of the Seven Planets, from which much of the Picatrix was taken, which begins thus: “The division of the Moon, when it is half full.”

[55] Preserved in at least 10 mss.

See Thorndike 1947, p. 247; (eTK 0443K).

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 243, which is slightly different.

[56] Et est liber 7 planetarum figurarum Geberi regis Indorum qui numeris includit septem nomina Dei, quemadmodum auctor in principio sermonis sui promittit, & sic incipit: Antiqui sapientes & Philosophi in astronomia.

[56] And there is The Book of the Figures of the Seven Planets of Geber, King of the Indians, which includes with numbers the seven names of God, as the author promises in the beginning of his discourse, and it begins thus: “The ancients and wise philosophers in astronomy.”

[56] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 67v: Geber: De figuris septem planetarum. Incipit: Antiqui Sapientes.

[57] Item est liber præstigiorum Thebit, in quo per compositionem diuersarum imaginum mirabiles pollicetur effectus, qui sic incipit: Dixit Thebit, Bencorat editor hujus libri. Altissimus creator omnium posuit in fundamento stellas.

[57] Likewise there is The Book of the Illusions of Thabit, in which through the composition of diverse images he promises wonderful results, which begins thus: “Thabit ibn Qurra, the editor of this book, said, ‘The most high Creator of all placed the stars in the foundation.”

[57] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 5-14.

[58] Et est liber Ptolemaei de imaginibus, per quas vana præstigia & vaticinia pollicetur, qui incipit: ars imaginum est multiplex.

[58] And there is The Book of Ptolemy Concerning Images, in which he promises empty illusions and predictions, which begins, “The art of images is multi-layered.”

[58] Possibly Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 249. Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 20-31v.

[59] Item est liber Præstigiorum Nesbar magnus, in quo multa per imagines promittuntur miranda & stupenda, qui sic incipit: Quum voluerit aliquid operari in compositione.

[59] Likewise there is The Book of the Illusions of Nesbar the Great, in which many marvels and amazing things are promised through images, which begins thus: “When one wishes to work anything in the composition.”

[59] Text and author not identified.

[60] Est liber Balenitz, qui & Abolemiten, simul & Apollo nominatus fuit de compositione imaginum 7 planetarum, & incipit: Dixit Balenus. Magna est virtus imaginum.

[60] There is a book of Belenus, who is at the same time has been named Abolemites, and Apollo which is named Concerning the Composition of Images of the Seven Planets, and it begins: “Belenus said, ‘Great are the virtues of images.’”

J-PB: [60] Text undoubtedly identifiable with one of the versions of De imaginibus septem planetarum attributed to Belenus. See Ermete, p. 80-83.

[61] Et est liber alius eiusdem de sigillis 7 planetarum in quo /305/ similiter stupenda & miranda promittuntur, complura, quæ non videntur mihi habere radicem veritatis, sed conficta magis apparent & ementita. Sic verò incipit: Quoniam necessarium est volentibus in compositione imaginum.

[61] And there is another similar book, Concerning the Sigils of the Seven Planets, in which similarly astonishing and amazing things are promised, many of which do not seem to me to be rooted in truth, but are obviously sham and false. But it begins thus: “Because those who wish to compose images will need to.”

[61] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 43v: Balenus: Liber de sigillis planetarum.

[62] Item est alius liber Behencasin, prænotatus de sigillis 7 planetarum, qui sic incipit: Saturnus habet in metallis plumbum, qui, &c.

[62] Likewise there is another book by Behencasin, titled Concerning the Sigils of the Seven Planets, which begins thus: “Among metals, lead is attributed to Saturn, which,” etc.

[62] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 59v: Behencatri viri sapientis et Regis In India: In magicis expertissimus de sigillis planerarum.

[63] Est quoque alius liber Bexeli (*Beyeli) sapientis, de annulis 7 planetarum prænotatus, qui sic incipit: Septem sunt stellæ erratiles, quas planetas vocamus.

[63] Likewise there is another book of the wise Beyelus, titled Concerning the Rings of the Seven Planets, which begins thus: “There are seven wandering stars (or celestial bodies), which we call planets.”

[63] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 62v: Bayelis Sapientis In magicis expertissimi: liber de annulis septem planetarum.

[64] Est etiam ex operibus memorati hominis, quem Bexelum vocauerunt, liber de figuris 7 planetarum, cuius Picatrix meminit in secundo, qui sic incipit: Cum volueris facere.

[64] There is also among the works of a memorable man whom they have called Bexelus, the Book Concerning the Figures of the Seven Planets, which Picatrix mentions in the second book, which begins thus: “When you wish to accomplish.”

[64] J-PB: [64] This is the Liber Beylus, quoted in book II, ch. 10 of the Picatrix, D. Pingree ed., London, 1986, pp. 65-67.

[65] Item est liber Ptolemaei de componendis imaginibus, annulis atque sigillis duodecim signorum, qui sic incipit: Incipiamus tractare de compositione.

[65] Likewise there is The Book of Ptolemy Concerning the Composition of Images, Rings, and Sigils, with the Twelve Signs, which begins thus: “We begin with treating on the composition.”

[65] Preserved in:

(eTK 0725I).

See David Juste, ‘Pseudo-Ptolemy, Liber de impressionibus imaginum, anulorum et sigillorum secundum facies duodecim signorum zodiaci’ (update: 28.12.2023), Ptolemaeus Arabus et Latinus. Works, URL = http://ptolemaeus.badw.de/work/64.

See also above, n. item [58].

[66] Et est liber Arnoldi de villanova, qui prænotatur de sigillis duodecim signorum, qui sic incipit: Antiquorum solertia cœlum in 12 partes.

[66] And there is a book of Arnold de Villanova, which is titled Concerning the Sigils of the Twelve Signs, which begins thus: “The ingenuity of the ancients divides the heavens into twelve parts.”

[66] Extant in Ghent ms. ff. 38r: ps.-Arnoldus de Villa Nova: De Sigillis duodecim signorum zodiaci.

[67] Est porrò ex operibus Hermetis liber alius de compositione imaginum, secundum 24 horas diei & noctis, qui à plerisque Balenitz adscribitur sapienti, sed mihi non videtur eius habere processum. Incipit autem: Dixit Hermes Quicunque voluerit in magnis operationibus.

[67] There is again among the works of Hermes another book, Concerning the Composition of Images According to the 24 Hours of the Day and Night, which is attributed to the most wise Belenus, but does not seem to me to be his. But it begins: “Hermes said, ‘whoever wishes to attain great operations.”

[67] Extant in Ghent ms. ff 79r: Hermetis philosophi de compositionibus imaginum secundum duodecim horas diei et noctis, qui liber alio nomine vocatur Secretum Hermetis. Incipit: Hermes dixit quicunque voluerit.

[68] Est inter opera Hermetis alius liber, qui continet tres tractatus: De quindecim lapidibus unus, & sic incipit: Dixit Hermes: intentio nostra; /306/ De quindecim herbis alter, & incipit: Dixit Hermes: postquam docuimus. Tertius de quindecim stellis, & incipit: Dixit Hermes: Nunc dicamus de stellis. Quartus [sic!] de 15 figuris siue characteribus est, et incipit: Dixit Hermes, diuersæ sunt imagines.

[68] Among the works of Hermes there is another book which consists of three treatises: One Concerning the Fifteen Stones, and it begins thus: “Hermes said, ‘Our intention.’” Another Concerning the Fifteen Herbs, and it begins, “Hermes said: ‘After we have taught.’” The third Concerning the Fifteen Stars, and it begins: “Hermes said, ‘Now let us speak about the stars.’” The fourth (!) is Concerning the Fifteen Figures or Characters, and it begins: “Hermes said, ‘Diverse are the images.’”

[68] Extant in at least 30 manuscripts. Edition in L. Delatte, Textes latins et vieux fiançais relatifs aux Cyranides, op. cit., pp. 235-275.

[69] Item est liber Thebit de imaginibus, in quo per influentias astrorum mirabilis pollicetur effectus, qui sic incipit: Dixit Thebit Bencorath: dixit Aristoteles qui philosophiam.

[69] Likewise there is a book of Thabit Concerning Images, which promises wonderful results through the influences of the stars, and it begins thus: “Thabit ibn Qurra said, ‘Aristotle the philosopher said.’”

[69] (eTK 0449G) and (eTK 0458)

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 249.

J-PB: [69] The two versions of the Latin translation of Thabit ibn Qurra's De imaginibus attributed to John of Seville are preserved in at least twenty manuscripts. See Thorndike, "Medieval Astrological Tracts," pp. 229-238; F. J. Carmody, The Astronomical Works of Thabit b. Qurra, op. cit., pp. 167-197, 203-205; TK, col. 449 and 458; Weill-Parot, pp. 63-72.

[70] Est item liber incerti auctoris, qui prænotatur Figurarum 12 signorum contra omnes infirmitates humani corporis, & sic incipit: In præsenti tractatu exponere volumus virtutem.

[70] Likewise there is a book by an unknown author, which is titled Of the Figures of the Twelve Signs Against all Illnesses of the Human Body, and it begins thus: “In the present treatise we wish to explain the virtue.”

[70] (eTK 0703B): ms. Vienna, ÔNB, lat. 5311, fol. 40va-4ivb (c. 1400)

Cp. Spec. Astr. Z 1992 p. 249.

J-PB: [70] Cf. TK, col. 703: the Imagines signorum contra infirmitatem are preserved in the ms. Vienna, ÔNB, lat. 5311, fol. 40va-4ivb (c. 1400).

[71] Et est liber Thoczgræci de compositione atque virtute imaginum, in quo magna promittuntur, & incipit: Verba in imaginibus sunt, ut spiritus in corpore.

[71] And there is a book of Toz Graecus, Concerning the Composition and Virtues of Images, in which many promises are made, and it begins: “Words are in the images, like spirit in the body.”

[71] Not identified.

[72] Item est liber Dorothei sapientis Græcorum, quem prænotauit, Iudiciorum, in quo multa dicit pulchra de astrorum influentia, qui incipit: Dixit Dorotheus.

[72] Likewise there is a book of the wise Greek Dorotheus, which is titled, Of the Judgments, in which he speaks very eloquently about the influence of the stars, which begins: “Dorotheus has said.”

[72] Possibly (eTK 0312I). "Generally found as a chapter in Messahala, De occultis."

[73] Item sunt libri plures Alrazi cuiusdam Arabis, cuius meminit Picatris in secundo de magicis institutionibus, qui sic incipit: Dixit Alrazus, scientia imaginum.

[73] Likewise there are more books of a certain Arab Alrazus, which Picatrix recounts in the second book Concerning Magical Arrangements, which begins thus: “Alrazus said, ‘The knowledge of images.’”

J-PB: [73] Cf. Picatrix, II, 12, pp. 86-88. This may be one of the versions of Theel’s De lapidibus, sometimes attributed to King Azareus who is said to have addressed it to King Ptolemy. Cf. Thorndike, “Medieval Astrological Tracts,” pp. 260-262; Pingree, “The Diffusion of Arabic Magical Texts,” pp. 64-67; Weill-Parot, p. 115.

[74] Et alius de formis planetarum atque sigillis, qui sic incipit: Forma Saturni.

[74] And another, Concerning the Forms of the Planets and Sigils, which begins thus: “The form of Saturn.”

[74] Not identified.

[75] De magica quoque librum composuit magnum.

[75] Likewise, a great book was composed Concerning the Magica.

[75] Text not identified. Could this be the text excerpted by Ganell under the title Magica Salomonis?

[76] Et sunt Geberi Regis Indorum multa in magicis volumina, sicut Picatris testatur in secundo. inter quæ circumferuntur ista: Liber secretorum magicæ.

[76] And there are many volumes on magic by Geber, king of the Indians, as Picatrix testifies in the second book. Among these things which they distribute: The Book of the Secrets of Magic.

[76] See above, n. [56].

J-PB: [76] Picatrix, II, 12, p. 88: ...

[77] Aliud quoque magnum /307/ opus in libros 8 diuisum.

[77] Likewise, another great work divided into eight books.

[77] See above, n. [56].

[78] Item liber, qui nominatur Clauis figurarum.

[78] Likewise the book, which is named The Key of Figures.

[78] See above, n. [56].

[79] Item de astrolabio librum composuit mille capitulorum, in quo mirabiles narrat effectus.

[79] Likewise, Concerning the Astrolabe, composed of a thousand chapters, in which is narrated wonderful accomplishments.

[79] See above, n. [56].

[80] Complementum etiam magicæ volumen magnum, in quo dicta veterum sapientum multa comportauit.

[80] There is also the Complement of Magic, a great volume, in which are collected many sayings of the ancient sages.

[80] See note [76].

[81] Est liber Zeherit Chaldæi de compositionibus & effectibus imaginum planetarum superstitiosus: in quo spiritibus orationes facit, & offert sacrificium planetis. Incipit autem: Spiritus planetarum.

[81] There is a superstitious book of Zeherit the Chaldean Concerning the Compositions and Results of the Images of the Planets: In which prayers are made to the spirits, and it offers sacrifices to the planets. Moreover it begins, “The spirits of the planets.”

[81] J-PB: [81] Zeherith is cited several times in Book IV, ch. 7, p. 207 et seq. of the Picatrix, as one of the three compilers of the Liber agriculture Caldee.

[82] Est alius liber Namionis Mirabilium effectum prænotatus, in quo miranda narrantur, qui sic incipit: Cum unusquisque planetarum. Continet etiam multa ad electiones pertinentia.

[82] There is another titled The Book of Achieving Miracles of Namio, in which marvels are narrated, which begins thus: “When each of the planets.” It also contains much material concerning elections.

[82] Not identified.

[83] Est alius liber Zabel, qui prænotatur Liber euentuum fortuitorum, vanus quidem, sed nihil continens artium diabolicarum, & partim accedit ad omnia. Quicquid enim fortuito acciderit, ad significationem aliquam occultorum reducit. Incipit autem sic: Rerum accidentium occultos eventus.

[83] There is another book of Zabel, which is titled The Book of Fortunate Outcomes, quite worthless, but containing nothing but diabolical arts, and it partly agrees with all things. For whatever happens by accident, can be traced back to some occult significance. Moreover it begins thus: “Of things happening, hidden outcomes.”

[83] (eTK 1349J).

J-PB: [83] Cf. TK, col. 1349: text preserved in ms. Berlin 965, fol. 1-63 (dated 1524) and published in Prague in 1592.

[84] Est alius liber Balenitz, qui de Coniecturis prænotator, & tractat de iudiciis occultorum ad omnem quæstionem, & incipit: Dixit Balenitz dum furto.

[84] There is another book of Belenus, which is titled Concerning Conjectures, and it treats on the judgments of hidden things to all questions, and it begins, “Belenus said, ‘While secretly.”

[84] Not identified.

[85] Et est alius liber eiusdem ad electiones faciens, pro itineraribus rarus & singularis: sed non caret vanitate. Incipit autem: Itinerarium hoc composuit.

[85] And there is another book for making elections regarding rare and unique itineraries; but it is not without vanity. Moreover it begins: “He composed this itinerary.”

[85] Not identified.

[86] Item est liber Alcandrei, prænotatus, de natiuitatum inuentione, quem majori ex parte vanum reputo, quia per litteras nominis horam natiuitatis /308/ cuiuslibet hominis posse inuenire pollicetur. Et sic incipit: Cum sit necessarium iis, qui.

[86] Likewise there is a book of Alcandreus, titled Concerning the Devising of Nativities, the greater part of which I deem worthless, because it promises to discover the hour of the birth of anyone from the letters of their name. And it begins thus: “When it is necessary for those, who.”

[86] J-PB: [86] The liber Alchandrei is a collection of astrological and onomantic texts available in the West since before the year 1000. See D. Juste, “The astrological doctrines of the liber Alchandrei”, in Occident et Proche-Orient: Contacts scientifiques au temps des Croisades (Proceedings of the Louvain-la-Neuve conference, 24 and 25 March 1997), I. Draelants, A. Tihon and B. van den Abeele ed., Turnhout, 2000, pp. 277-311; Ibid., Alchandreana. Les plus anciens traités astrologiques latins d’origine arabe (xe siècle), thesis of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, 2000, 3 vols.

[87] Et est liber præstigiorum cuiusdam Thomæ, in quo miranda promittuntur, ex annulis compositis secundum 28 mansiones Lunæ in characteribus & fumigationibus vanis, qui sic incipit: Ego Thomas omnium scientiarum amator.

[87] And there is The Book of the Illusions of a certain Thomas, in which marvelous things are promised, by composing rings according to the 28 mansions of the Moon using characters and worthless fumigations, which begins thus: “I Thomas, lover of all knowledge.”

[87] Not identified.

[88] Est & alius liber Balenitz qui nominatur, Lunaris; in quo multa tradit vana & superstitiosa pro diuersorum effectuum assecutione mirabilium, & sic incipit: Dixit Balenitz liber iste dicitur.

[88] Then there is another book of Belenus which is named, Lunaras (“Of the Lunar”), in which many worthless and superstitious things are treated for achieving diverse perceived wonderful accomplishments, and it begins thus, “Belenus said, ‘This same book is named.’”

[88] J-PB: This text perhaps corresponds to one of the versions of the Liber imaginum Lune attributed to Belenus: see Ermete, p. 70-73.

[89] Item est alius liber de inclusione spirituum in annulos 7 planetarum, cuius nomen autoris non repperi. Incipit autem sic: Die & hora planetæ, ipso planeta existente in domo, vel. Ego Thomas omnium scientiarum amator.

[89] Likewise there is another Book about the Confinement of Spirits into the Rings of the Seven Planets. I have not discovered the name of the author. However it begins thus: “From the day and hour of the planet, with the planet itself being in the house, or.”

[89] (eTK 0427G): Preserved in ms. Vat. Pal. lat. 1375, fol. 269v-270 (end of 15c).

[90] Est & alius liber Balenitz de imaginibus 7 planetarum, ad multos effectus mirabiles, quem vanum reputo, & superstitiosum; incipit autem sic: Dixit Balenitz qui vocatus est Apollo cognomine.

[90] And there is another book of Belenus, Concerning the images of the Seven Planets, for achieving many wonderful results, which I deem worthless and superstitious. But it begins thus, “Belenus, who is also called by the surname Apollo, said.”

[90] J-PB: [90] Text identifiable with version (a) of the De imaginibus septem planetarum attributed to Belenus. See Ermete, p. 80-83 and above, n. [60].

[91] Item est ex operibus Hermetis liber de imaginibus, & annulis 7 planetarum, sic incipiens: Est homo equitans currum imago solis ductum.

[91] Likewise there is among the works of Hermes The Book Concerning the Images, and Rings of the Seven Planets, beginning thus: “A man riding a chariot which is led by the image of the Sun.”

[91] J-PB: [91] Text identifiable with version (a) of De imaginibus siue annulis septem planetarum. See Ermete, p. 59-61.

[92] Et est liber Hermetis alius de diebus & horis 7 planetarum: in quibus pro imaginibus est operandum, qui incipit: Dixit Hermes operaturus.

[92] And there is another book of Hermes, Concerning the Days and Hours of the Seven Planets, which works with images, and it begins, “Hermes said, working.”

[92] = De imaginibus et horis?

[93] Est & liber alius Hermetis de imaginibus, quæ sculptæ reperiuntur in lapidibus pretiosis, qui sic incipit: In iaspide Mars stans armatus.

[93] And there is still another book of Hermes, Concerning Images which are Found Carved on Gems, which begins thus: “On jasper, armed Mars standing.”

[93] Not identified.

[94] Et est liber Ptolemæi de 12 annulis Veneris, qui tractat de lapidibus insculpendis ad producendum mirabiles effectus, & incipit sic: Accipe iaspidem viridem in die & hora. /309/

[94] And there is a book of Ptolemy, Concerning the Twelve Rings of Venus, which treats on using carved stones for achieving wonderful effects, and it begins thus: “Take green jasper on the day and hour.”

[94] (eTK 0019E).

[95] Item est liber Petri de Apono, Paduani medici, Experimentorum de annulis mirabilium, secundum 28 mansiones Lunæ, qui sic incipit: Primò & principaliter in hac parte.

[95] Likewise there is the Book of Peter of Abano, the Paduan Physician, of the Experiments Concerning Wonderful Rings According to the 28 Mansions of the Moon, which begins thus, “First and principally, in this part.”

[95] (eTK, col. 1103C).

Extant in:

[96] Et est liber Thebit de proprietatibus 15 Stellarum, lapidum & herbarum prænotatus, qui sic incipit: Prima stella vocatur Algol.

[96] And there is a book of Thabit, titled Concerning the Distinctive Properties of the Stars, Stones, and Herbs, which begins thus: “The first star is called Algol.”

[96] (eTK, col. 1096L).

[97] Item est liber imaginum mirabilium Abenhali, qui sic incipit: Dixit Abenhali: Quia omnes orientales operabantur per has Imagines, &c. adscribitur autem idem liber à plærisque Ptolomæo.

[97] Likewise there is the Book of the Wonderful Images Abenhalus, which begins thus: “Abenhalus said, ‘Because all easterners worked through these images”, etc. Moreover this same book is also frequently attributed to Ptolemy.

[97] Not identified.

[98] Item Kyrannidarum sunt plura volumina in magicis & medicinis, sed continent quædam fœda non solum legi, sed etiam naturæ spernenda. Fuit autem Kyrannus rex Persarum, & multa valde obstrusa in rebus comportauit. Est autem Kyrannus liber dictus a nomine auctoris, maior & minor. Maior enim pręnotatur Philosophicalis (*Physicalis). Minor tractat de 24 herbis, totidem piscibus, 24 lapidibus & 24 volatilibus. Qui sic incipit: Elementum planum alpha ampelos losti, quod sonat vitis, alpha, aquila volucris. Sunt autem eius operis partes 7 in uno volumine.

[98] Likewise there are multiple volumes of the Kyrannides on magic and medicine, but they contain certain filth, not only against the law, but also against nature, to be scorned. Moreover Kyrannus (Cyrus), king of the Persians, and it has brought together many greatly abstruse things. And it is called The Book of Kyrannus from the name of the author, the Major and the Minor. Moreover the major is designated Of the Physical. The minor treats on herbs, many fishes, 24 stones, and 24 fowls. Which begins thus, “The level element alpha ampelos losti,” because grapevine, alpha, and winged eagle sound alike (i.e. in Greek). Nevertheless the seven parts are of that work are in one volume.

[98] J-PB: [98] ... the Latin version of the Kyranides is preserved in 37 manuscripts. Trithemius quotes the incipit of their first part. See L. Delatte, Textes latins et vieux français relatifs aux Cyranides, op. cit., pp. 3-206, and Ermete, pp. 34-37.

[99] Est etiam liber Hinnaxii (*Humayii) filii Zachariæ, qui prænotatur Institutionum actiuarum Platonis, qui mirabilia pollicetur, prorsus incredibilia. Qui sic incipit: Galiennez [*Galiennem] quum præparauit, ut abbreuiaret. Et nota, quod Hinnaxius, alias verò Isaac fecit librum aggregationum, super præscriptum librum Platonis, qui nominatur Augnempere (*Augemis).

[99] There is also book of Humayius son of Zachariah, which is titled Of the Active Institutes of Plato, who promises miracles, plainly unbelievable. Which begins thus: “Galen, when he had prepared it, in order that he might shorten.” And note that Hinnaxius, or otherwise Isaac, made the Book of Aggregations, based on the above-written book of Plato, which is named Auguemas.

[99] (eTK 0576D): Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, fondo Palatino latino 1892 ff. 103v-119v.

I.e. Liber vacce of Ps. Plato, preserved in a dozen manuscripts.

[100] Et est liber incerti auctoris sortilegiorum, qui prænotatur Sphæra Pytagoræ [*Pythagorae], Platonis & /310/ Apuleii Philosophorum, confictus, vanus, & inutilis, qui sic incipit: Omnis sapientia à Domino.

[100] And there is a book of sorceries by an uncertain author, which is titled The Spheres of the Philosophers Pythagoras, Plato, and Apuleius. It is sham, worthless, and useless, which begins thus: “All wisdom from the Lord.”

[100] Not identified.

[101] Item est liber Algabor Arabis de sortilegiis, etiam vanus, quem prænotauit Almachbale, incipit autem sic: In nomine Dei summi, qui omnia creauit.

[101] Likewise there is a book of the Arab Algabor Concerning Sorceries, also worthless, which is titled Almachbal. Moreover it begins thus: “In the name of the most high God, who created all things.”

[101] Perhaps John Rylands Library, Latin MS 105 (late 16c).

J-PB: [101] Unlisted spell book, unless it is that of Alfadhol of Merengi, translated from Arabic into Latin by Gerard of Cremona.

[102] Et est alius liber sortilegiorum Albedach, similiter vanus & fictus ad Darium regem Persarum, qui sic incipit: Dario regi magno Persarum.

[102] And there is another Book of the Sorceries of Albedach, similarly worthless and falsely ascribed to Darius, king of the Persians, which begins thus: “To the Darius the Great, king of the Persians.”

[102] Ibid.

[103] Est etiam liber Iacobi Alkindi theoricarum artis magicæ, qui nominatur aliâs, De radiis Physicis, cuius tale initium est: Omnes homines qui sensibilia.

[103] Also there is the Book of Jacob Al-Kindi of the Theories of the Magical Art, which is otherwise named, Concerning the Rays of the Natural Philosophers, the beginning of which is thus: “Everyone who can perception.”

[103] (eTK 0986F). Preserved in around twenty manuscripts.

Feruntur ejusdem alia multa in magicis opuscula, de quibus non est meum per singula iudicare.

More of the same pamplets on magic are distributed, but it is not my intent to judge every single one.

De libris autem Geomantiæ & chiromantiæ non est huius propositi singulatim facere mentionem, quum præscripto generi maleficiorum tertio in nullo deseruire multis videantur. Præscripti verò libri non omnes à suspicione probantur alieni, sed secundum plus & minus, ut ego intelligere potui Multa in eis continentur Christianæ puritati contraria, quamuis apertum non habeant cum dæmonibus commercium, sicut libri Necromanticorum, quos primo ordine commemorauimus. Sunt enim characteribus & vana superstitione in multis fœdati, quamquam, ut dictum est, alii plus, alii minus. Verumtamen, si quis eorum lectione voluerit uti, caueat, ne ductus curiositate mentem dæmonibus prostituat suam. Qui Deum veraciter diligit, his conceptibus non intendit. Omnes igitur qui Dæmones per libros & artes Necromanticorum /311/ inuocant, coniurantes illos ad circulum, ad vitrum, ad speculum, ad crystallum, ad capita mortuorum, ad annulum, ad manum, ad unguem, ad imaginem, ad aquam, ad ignem, vel ad quamcunque aliam rem; vel procurantes sibi per eos visiones, somnia, reuelationes, siue iudicia, sciant se abnegatores Christi, & ab Ecclesia eius penitus alienos ad tertium genus pertinere maleficarum, & ignibus hic temporaliter, & post mortem æternaliter dignè cruciandos. Quisquis enim hîc vult esse diaboli discipulus, nisi pœnitentiam agat ante mortem, socius erit sui Magistri in pœnis.