Book XIII, chapters 1–7: Hartumim: natural magic, waters and precious stones

BOOK XIII.

CHAP. I. The signification of the Hebrew word Hartumim, where it is found written in the Scriptures, and how it is diversly translated: whereby the Objection Pharaohs Magicians is afterward answered in this Book; also of Natural Magick not evil in it self.

HArtumim is no natural Hebrew word, but is borrowed of some other Nation: howbeit, it is used of the Hebrews in these places; to wit, Gen. 4.1.8.24. Exod. 7.13, 24. & 8.7.18. & 9.11. Dan. 1.20. & 2.2. Hierome sometimes translateth it Conjectores, sometimes Malefici, sometimes Arioli: which we for the most part translate by this word Witches. But the right signification hereof may be conceived, in that the Inchanters of Pharaoh, being Magicians of Aegypt, were called Hartumim. And yet in Exodus they are named in some Latine Translations Venefici. Rabbi Levi saith, it betokeneth such as do strange and wonderful things, naturally, artificially, and deceitfully. Rabbi Isaac Natar affirmeth, that such were so termed, as amongst the Gentiles professed singular wisdom. Aben Ezra expoundeth it, to signifie such as know the secrets of Nature, and the quality of Stones and Hearbs, &c. which is attained unto by Art, and specially by Natural Magick. But we either for want of speech, or knowledge, call them all by the name and term of Witches.

Certainly, God endueth bodies with wonderful graces, the perfect knowledge whereof man hath not reached unto: and on the one side, there is amongst them such mutual love, society, and consent; and on the otherside, such natural discord, and secret enmity, that therein many things are wrought to the astonishment of mans capacity. But when deceit and Diabolical words are coupled therewith, then extendeth it to Witchcraft and Conjuration, as whereunto those Natural effects are falsely imputed. So as here I shall have some occasion to say somewhat of Natural Magick; because under it lyeth hidden the venome of this word Hartumim. This Art is said by some to be the profoundness, and the very absolute perfection of natural Philosophy, and shewing forth the active part thereof, and through the aid of natural vertues, by the convenient applying of them, works are published, exceeding all capacity and admiration; and yet not so much by Art as by Nature. This Art of it self is not evil; for it consisteth in searching forth the nature, causes and effects of things. As far as I can conceive, it hath been more corrupted and prophaned by us Christians, than either by Jews or Gentiles.

CHAP. II. How the Philosophsrs in times past travelled for the knowledge of Natural Magick; of Solomons knowledge therein; Who is to be called a Natural Magician, a distinction thereof, and why it is condemned for Witchcraft.

MAny Philosophers, as namely Plato, Pythagoras, Empedocles, Democritus, &c. travelled over all the world to finde out and learn the knowledge of this Art: and at their return they preached and taught, professed and published it. Yea, it should appear by the Magicians that came to adore Christ, that the knowledge and reputation thereof was greater than we conceive or make account of. But of all other, Solomon was the greatest Traveller in this Art, as may appear throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes; and specially in the Book of Wisdom, where he saith God hath given me the true Science of things, so as I know how the world was made, and the power of the Elements, the beginning and the end, and the midst of times, how the times alter, and the change of seasons, the course of the year, and the situation of the Stars, the nature of living things and the furiousness of Beasts, the power of the wind, and the imaginations of men, the diversities of Plants, and the vertues of Roots, and all things both secret and known, &c. Finally, he was so cunning in this Art, that he is said to have been a Conjurer or a Witch, and is so reputed in the Romish Church at this day. Whereby you may see, how Fools and Papists are inclined to credit false accusations in matters of Witchcraft and Conjuration. The less knowledge we have in this Art, the more we have it in contempt: in which respect Plato saith truly to Dionysius, They make Philosophy a mockery, that deliver it to prophane and rude people. Certainly the Witchcraft, Conjuration, and Inchantment that is imputed to Solomon, is gathered out of these his words following; I applyed my minde to knowledge, and to search and seek out Science, wisdom and understanding, to know the foolishness of the ungodly, and the error of doting fools. In this Art of Natural Magick (without great heed be taken) a student shall soon be abused: For many (writing by report, without experience) mistake their Authors, and set down one thing for another. Then the conclusion being found false, the experiment groweth into contempt, and in the end seemeth ridiculous, though never so true. Pliny and Albert being curious Writers herein, are often deceived; insomuch as Pliny is called a noble lyer, and Albert a rustical lyer; the one lying by hearsay, the other by authority.

A Magician is indeed that which the Latines call a wise man, as Numa Pompilius was among the Romans; the Greeks, a Philosoplier, as Socrates was among them: the Aegyptians a Priest, as Hermes was; the Cabalists called them Prophets. But although these distinguished this Art, accounting the one part thereof infamous, as being too much given unto wicked, vain, and impious curiosity, as unto movings, numbers, figures, sounds, voices, tunes, lights, affections of the minds, and words; and the other parts commendable, as teaching many good and necessary things, as Times and Seasons to sow, plant, till, cut, &c. and divers other things, which I will make manifest unto you hereafter; yet we generally condemn the whole Art without distinction, as a part of Witchcraft; having learned to hate it, before we know it; affirming all to be Witchcraft, which our gross heads are not able to conceive, and yet can think that an old doting woman seeth through it, &c. Wherein we consider not how God bestoweth his gifts, and hath established an order in his works, graffing in them sundry vertues to the comfort of his several creatures; and specially to the use and behoof of man: neither do we therein weigh that Art is servant unto Nature, and waiteth upon her as her handmaiden.

CHAP. III. What Secrets do lye hidden, and what is taught in Natural Magick; how Gods glory is magnified therein, and that it is nothing but the Work of Nature.

IN this Art of Natural Magick, God Almighty hath hidden many secret mysteries; as wherein a man may learn the properties, qualities, and knowledge of all Nature. For it, teacheth to accomplish matters in such for and opportunity, as the common people thinketh the same to be miraculous; and to be compassed none other way but only by Witchcraft. And yet in truth, Natural Magick is nothing else but the work of Nature: For in tillage, as Nature produceth Corn and Herbs; so Art being Natures minister, prepareth it. Wherein Times and Seasons are greatly to be respected: for Annus, non arvus producit aristas.

But as many necessary and sober things are herein taught; so doth it partly (I say) consist in such experiments and conclusions as are but toyes, but nevertheless lie hid in Nature, and being unknown, do seem miraculous, specially when they are intermedled and corrupted with cunning illusion, or Legierdemain, from whence is derived the estimation of Witchcraft. But being learned and known, they are contemned, and appear ridiculous; for that only is wonderful to the beholder, whereof he can conceive no cause nor reason, according to the saying of Ephesius, Miraculum solvitur unde videtur esse miraculum. And therefore a man shall take great pains herein, and bestow great cost to learn that which is of no value and a meer jugling knack. Whereupon it is said that a man may not learn Philosophy to be rich; but must get riches to learn Philosophy; for to sluggards, niggards, and dizzards, the secrets of Nature are never opened. And doutless a man may gather out of this Art, that which being published, shall set forth the glory of God, and be many wayes beneficial to the Commonwealth: the first is done by the manifestation of his works; the second, by skilfully applying them to our use and service.

CHAP. IV. What strange things are brought to pass by Natural Magick.

THE dayly use and practice of medicine taketh away all admiration of the wonderful effects of the same. Many other things of less weight, being more secret and rare, seem more miraculous: As for example, (if it be true, that I. Bap. Neap. and many other Writers do constantly affirm) Tye a wild Bull to a Fig-tree, and he will be presently tame; or hang an old Cock thereupon, and he will immediately be tender; as also the feathers of an Eagle consume all other feathers, if they be intermedled together. Wherein it may not be denyed, but Nature sheweth herself a proper Work-woman. But it seemeth impossible, that a little fish being but half a foot long, called Remora or Remiligo, or of some Echenis, stayeth a mighty Ship with all her load and tackling, and being also undersail. And yet it is affirmed by so many and so grave Authors, that I dare not deny it; specially, because I see as strange effects of Nature otherwise: as the property of the Loadstone, whick is so beneficial to the Mariner; and of Rheubarb, which only medleth with Choler, and purgeth neither flegm nor melancholy, and is as beneficial to the Physitian, as the other to the Mariner.

CHAP. V. The incredible operation of Waters, both standing and running; of Wels, Lakes, Rivers, and of their wonderful Effects.

THe operation of Waters, and their sundry vertues are also incredible. I mean not of waters compounded and distilled; for it were endless to treat of their forces, specially concerning medicines. But we have here even in England natural Springs, Wels, and Waters, both standing and running, of excellent vertues, even such as except we had seen, and had experiment of, we would not believe to be in rerum natura. And to let the Physical nature of them pass, (for the which we cannot be so thanful to God, as they are wholesom for our bodies) is it not miraculous, that wood is by the quality of divers waters here in England transubstantiated into a stone? The which vertue is also found to be in a lake beside the City Masaca in Cappadocia; there is a River called Scarmandrus, that maketh yellow sheep. Yea, there be many waters, as in Pontus and Thessalia, and in the land of Assyrides, in a River of Thracia (as Aristotle saith) that if a white Sheep being with Lamb drink thereof, the Lamb will be black. Strabo writeth of the River called Crantes, in the borders of Italy, running towards Tarentum, where mens hair is made white and yellow being washed therein. Pliny doth write that of what colour the veins are under the Rams tongue, of the same colour or colours will the Lambs be. There is a Lake in a field called Cornetus, in the bottom manifestly appeareth to the Eye, the Carcases of Snakes, Ewts, and other Serpents; whereas if you put in your hand, to pull them out, you shall find nothing there. There droppeth water out of a Rock in Arcadia, the which neither a silver nor a brazen boll can contain, but it leapeth out, and sprinkleth away; and yet will remain without motion in the hoof of a mule. Such conclusions (I warrant you) were not unknown to Jannes and Jambres.

CHAP. VI. The Vertues and Qualities of sundry precious Stones; of cousening Lapidaries, &c.

THe excellent vertues and qualities in Stones, found, conceived and tryed by this Art, is wonderful. Howbeit many things most false and fabulous are added unto their true effects; wherewith I thought good in part to try the Readers patience and cunning withal. An Aggat (they say) hath vertue against the bitings of Scorpions or Serpents. It is written (but I will not stand to it) that it maketh a man eloquent, and procureth the favour of Princes; yea that the fume thereof doth turn away Tempests. Alectorius is a Stone about the bigness of a Bean, as clear as the Chrystal taken out of a Cocks belly which hath been gelt or made a Capon four years. If it be held in ones mouth, it asswageth thirst; it maketh the husband to love the wife, and the bearer invincible: for hereby Milo was said to overcome his enemies. A Craw-pock delivereth from prison. Chelidonius is a stone taken out of a Swallow, which cureth melancholy: howbeit, some Authors say, it is the hearb whereby the Swallows recover the sight of their young, even if their eyes be picked out with an Instrument. Geranites is taken out of a Crane, and Draconites out of a Dragon. But it is to be noted, that such stone must be taken out of the bellies of the Serpents, Beasts, or Birds, (wherein they are) whiles they live: otherwise, they vanish away with the life, and so they retain the vertues of those Stars under which they are. Amethysus maketh a drunken man sober, and refresheth the wit. The Coral preserveth such as bear it from fascination or bewitching, and in this respect they are hanged about childrens necks. But from whence that superstition is derived, and who invented the lye, I know not: but I see how ready the people are to give credit thereunto by the multitude of Corrals that were imployed. I find in good Authors, that while it remaineth in the Sea, it is an hearb, and when it is brought thence, into the air, it hardeneth, and becometh a stone. Heliotropius stancheth blood, driveth away poysons, preserveth health; yea, and some write, that it provoketh rain, and darkneth the Sun, suffering not him that beareth it to be abused, Hyacinthus doth all that the other doth, and also preserveth from Lightning. Oinothera hanged about the neck, collar, or yoke of any creature, tameth it presently. A Topase healeth the lunatike person of his Lunacy. Aitites if it be shaken, soundeth as if there were a little stone in the belly thereof: it is good for the Falling-sickness, and to prevent untimely birth. Amethysus aforesaid resisteth drunkenness, so as the beares shall be able to drink freely, and recover themselves soon being drunk as Apes: the same maketh a man wise, Chalcedonius maketh the bearer lucky in Law, quickeneth the power of the body, and is of force also against the illusions of the Devil, and phantastical cogitations arising of melancholy. Corneolus mitigateth the heat of the mind, and qualifieth malice; it stancheth Bloody-fluxes, specially of women that are troubled with their flowers. Heliotropius aforesaid darkeneth the Sun, raiseth showers, stancheth blood, procureth good fame, keepeth the bearer in health, and suffereth him not to be deceived. If this were true, one of them would be dearer then a thousand Diamonds. Hyacinthus delivereth one from the danger of Lightening, driveth away poyson and pestilent infection, and hath many other vertues. Iris helpeth a woman to speedy deliverance, and maketh Rain-bows to appear. A Saphire preserveth the members, and maketh them lively, and helpeth Agues and Gowts, and suffereth not the bearer to be afraid, it hath vertue against venom, and stayeth bleeding at the nose being often put thereto. A Smaragd is good for the eye-sight, and suffereth not carnal copulation, it maketh one rich and eloquent. A Topase increaseth riches, healeth the lunatique passion, and stancheth blood. Mephis (as Aaron and Hermes report out of Albertus Magnus) being broken into powder, and drunk with water, maketh insensibility of torture. Hereby you may understand, that as God hath bestowed upon these stones, and such other like bodies, most excellent and wonderful vertues: so according to the abundance of humane superstitions and follies, many ascribe unto them either more vertues, or other than they have; other boast that they are able to adde new qualities unto them. And herein consisteth a part of Witchcraft and common cousenage used sometimes of the Lapidaries for gains; sometimes of others for cousening purposes. Some part of the vanity hereof I will here describe, because the place serveth well therefore. And it is not to be forgotten or omitted, that Pharaohs Magicians were like enough to be cunning therein.

Nevertheless, I will first give you the opinion of one, who professed himself a very skilful and well experimented Lapidary, as appeareth by a Book of his own penning, published under this title of Dactylotheca, and (as I think) to be had among the Booksellers. And thus followeth his assertion:

Evax rex Arabum fertur scripsisse Neroni,
(Qui post Augustum regnavit in orbe secundus)
Quot species lapidis, quae nomina, quive colores,
Quae q; sit his regio, vel quanta potentia cui q;.
Ocultas etenim lapidum cognoscere vires,
Quorum causa latens effectus dat manifestos,
Egregium quiddam volumus rarumque videri.
Silicet hinc solers medicorum cura juvatur,
Auxilio lapidum morbos expellere docta.
Nec minus inde dari cunctarum commodarerum
Autores perbibent, quibus haec perspecta feruntur.
Nec dubium cuiquam debet falsumque videri,
Quin sua sit gemmis divinitus insita virtus.

Englished by Abraham Fleming:

Evax an old Arabian King
is named to have writ
A Treatise, and on Nero's grace
to have bestowed it,
(Who in the World did second raign
after Augustus time)
Of pretious Stones the sundry sorts,
their names; and in what clime
And Countrey they were to be found,
their colours and their hue,
Their privy power and secret force,
the which knowledge true
To understand their hidden cause
most plain effects declare:
And this will we a noble thing
have counted be and rare,
The skilful care of leeches learn'd
is aided in this cases
And hereby holpen and are taught
with aid of stones to chase
Away from men such sicknesses
as have them in a place.
No less precise commodities
of all things else thereby.
Are ministred and given to men,
if Authors do not lie,
To whom these things are said to be
most manifestly known.
It shall no false or doubtful case
appear to any one,
But that by heavenly influence
each precious Pearl and Stone,
Hath in his substance fixed force
and vertue largely sown.

Whereby it is to be concluded, that Stones have in them certain proper vertues, which are given them of a special influence of the Planets, and a due proportion of the Elements, their substance being a very fine and pure compound, consisting of well tempered matter wherein is no, gross mixture, as appeareth by plain proof of India and Aethiopia, where the Sun being orient and meridional, doth more effectually shew his operation, procuring more precious Stones there to be ingendered, than in the Countries that are Occident and Septentrional. Unto this opinion do divers ancients accord; namely, Alexander Peripateticus, Hermes, Evax, Bocchos, Zoroastes, Isaac Judaeus, Zacharias Babylonicus, and many more beside.

CHAP. VII. Whence the precious Stones receive their Operations; how curious Magicians use them, and of their Seals.

CUrious Magicians affirm, that these Stones receive their vertues altogether of the Planets and heavenly bodies, and have not only the very operation of the Planets, but sometimes the very Images and impressions of the Stars naturally ingraffed in them, and otherwise ought alwayes to have graven upon them, the similitudes of such Monsters, Beasts, and, other devices, as they imagine to be both internally in operation, and externally in view, expressed in the Planets; As for example, upon the Achaete are graven Serpents or venemous Beasts; and sometimes a man riding on a Serpent: which they know to be Aesculapius, which is the Celestial Serpent, whereby are cured (they say) Poysons and stingings of Serpents and Scorpions. These grow in the River of Achates, where the greatest Scorpions are ingendred, and their noisomeness is thereby qualified, and by the force of the Scorpions, the Stones vertue is quickened and increased. Also, if they would induce love for the accomplishment of Venery, they inscribe and express in the Stones, amiable embraceings and lovely countenances and gestures, words and kissings in apt figures. For the desires of the mind are consonant with the nature of the Stones, which must also be set in Rings, and upon Foils of such metals as have affinity with those Stones, through the operations of the Planets whereunto they are addicted, whereby they may gather the greater force of their working.

As for example, They make the Images of Saturn in Lead, of Sol in Gold, of Luna in Silver. Marry there is no small regard to be had for the certain and due times to be observed in the graving of them: for so are they made with more life, and the influences and configurations of the Planets are made thereby the more to abound in them. As if you will procure love, you must work in apt, proper, and friendly Aspects, as in the hour of Venus, &c. to make debate, the direct contrary order is to be taken. If you determine to make the Image of Venus, you must expect to be under Aquarius or Capricornus: for Saturn, Taurus, and Libra must be taken heed of. Many other observations there be, as to avoid, the infortunate seat and place of the Planets, when you would bring a happy thing to pass, and specially that it be not done in the end, declination, or heel (as they term it) of the course thereof: for then the Planet mourneth and is dull.

Such Signs as ascend in the day, must be taken in the day; if in the night they increase, then must you go to work by night, &c. For in Aries, Leo, and Sagittary is a certain Triplicity, wherein the Sun hath dominion by day, Jupiter by night, and in the twilight the cold Star of Saturn. But because there shall be no excuse wanting for the faults espied herein, they say that the vertues of all Stones decay through tract of time, so as such things are not now to be looked for in all respect as are written. Howbeit Jannes and Jambres were living in that time, and in no inconvenient place; and therefore not unlike to have that help towards the abusing of Pharaoh. Cardane saith, that although men attribute no small force unto such seals; as to the seal of the Sun, Authorities, Honours, and Favours of Princes; of Jupiter, Riches and Friends; of Venus, Pleasures; of Mars, Boldness; of Mercury, Diligence; of Saturn, Patience and enduring of Labour; of Luna, Favour of people: I am not ignorant (saith he) that Stones do good, and yet I know the seals or figures do none at all. And when Cardane had shewed fully that Art, and the folly thereof, and the manner of those terrible, prodigious, and deceitful figures of the Planets with their Characters, &c. he saith that those were deceitful inventions devised by Coseners, and had no vertue indeed nor truth in them. But because we spake somewhat of Signets and Seals, I will shew you what I read reported by Vincentius in suo speculo, where making mention of the Jasper-stone, whose nature and property Marbodeus Gallus describeth in the Verses following;

Jaspidis esse decem species septemque feruntur;
Hic & multorum cognoscitur esse colorum,
Et multis nasci perhibetur partibus orbis,
Optimus in viridi translucentique celore,
Et qui plus soleat virtutis habere probatur,
Caste gestatus febrem fugat, arcet hydropem,
Adpositusque juvat mulierem parturientem,
Et tutamentum portanti creditur esse.
Nam consecratus gratum facit atque potentem,
Et, sicut perhibent, phantasmata noxia pellit,
Cujus in argento vis fortior esse putatur.

Englished by Abraham Fleming:

Seven kinds and ten of Jasper-stones
reported are to be;
Of many colours this is known
which noted it by me,
And said in many places of
the world for to be seen,
Where it is bred; but yet the best
is through shining green,
And that which proved is to have
in it more vertue plaste;
For being born about of such
as are of living chaste,
It drives away their Ague fits,
the Dropsie thirsting dry,
And put upon a woman weak
in travel which doth lie,
It helps, assists, and comforts her
in pangs when she doth cry.
Again, it is believ'd to be
a safegard frank and free,
To such as wear and bear the same;
and if it hallowed be,
It makes the parties gracious,
and mighty too that have it;
And noisom fancies (at they write
that meant not to deprave it)
It doth displace out of the mind:
The force thereof is stronger,
In Silver if the same be set,
and will endure the longer.

But (as I said) Vincentius making mention of the Jasper-stone, touching which (by the way of a Parenthesis) I have inferred Marbodeus his Verses, he saith that some Jasper-stones are found having in them the lively image of a natural man, with a shield at his neck, and a spear in his hand, and under his feet a Serpent; which Stones so marked and signed, he preferreth before all the rest, because they are Antidotaries or Remedies notably resisting poyson. Other some also are found figured and marked with the form of a man bearing on his neck a bundle of herbs and flowers, with the estimation and value of them noted, that they have in them a faculty or power restrictive, and will in an instant or moment of time stanch blood. Such a kind of Stone (as it is reported) Galen wore on his finger. Othersome are marked with a Cross, as the same Author writeth, and these be right excellent against inundations or overflowings of waters. I could hold you long occupied in declarations like unto these, wherein I lay before you what other men have published and set forth to the world, chusing rather to be an Academical discourser, than an universal determiner: but I am desirous of brevity.