IV. A mind apt in knowledge will discover truth more readily than one practised in the highest branches of science. V. A skilful person, acquainted with the nature of the stars, is enabled to avert many of their effects, and to prepare himself for those effects before they arrive. VI. It is advantageous to make choice of days and hours at a time well constituted by the nativity. Should the time be adverse, the choice will in no respect avail, however favourable an issue it may chance to promise. VII. The mingled influences of the stars can be understood by no one who has not previously acquired knowledge of the combinations and varieties existing in nature. VIII. A sagacious mind improves the operation of the heavens, as a skilful farmer, by cultivation, improves nature. IX. In their generation and corruption forms are influenced by the celestial forms, of which the framers of talismans consequently avail themselves, by observing the ingresses of the stars thereupon. X. In the election of days and hours, make use of the malefics, to the same moderate extent as the skilful physician would use poisons in order to perform cures. XI. A day and hour are not to be elected until the quality of the object proposed shall be known. XII. Love and hatred prohibit the true accomplishment of judgments; and, inasmuch as they lessen the most important, so likewise they magnify the most trivial things. XIII. In every indication made by the constitution of the heavens, secondary stars, whether auxiliary or injurious thereto, are also to be used. XIV. The astrologer will be entangled in a labyrinth of error, when the seventh house and its lord shall be afflicted. XV. Signs cadent from the ascendant of any kingdom are the ascendants of that kingdom’s enemies. But the angles and succedent houses are the ascendants of its friends. It is the same in all doctrines and institutions. XVI. When the benefics may be controlled in the eighth house, they bring mischief by means of good men: if, on the other hand, they be well affected, they will prevent mischief. XVII. Give no judgment as to the future life of an aged person, until the number of years he may live shall have been reckoned. XVIII. If, while a benefic may ascend, both the luminaries should be in the same minute,[295] the native will be equally and highly prosperous in all things which can befall him. So, likewise, if the luminaries be mutually opposed by the east and west. But the contrary effect will be produced, should a malefic be on the ascendant. [295] Of the same degree and sign. XIX. The efficacy of purgation is impeded by the Moon’s conjunction with Jupiter. XX. Pierce not with iron that part of the body which may be governed by the sign actually occupied by the Moon.