Magic is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy,[7] advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right understanding of the inward and occult virtue of things; so that true Agents[8] being applied to proper Patients,[9] strange and admirable effects will thereby be produced. Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature; they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effort,[10] the which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle. Origen saith that the Magical Art doth not contain anything subsisting, but although it should, yet that it must not be Evil, or subject to contempt or scorn; and doth distinguish the _Natural Magic_ from that which is _Diabolical_. Apollonius Tyannaeus only exercised the _Natural Magic_, by the which he did perform wonderful things. Philo Hebraeus saith that true Magic, by which we do arrive at the understanding of the Secret Works of Nature, is so far from being contemptible that the greatest Monarchs and Kings have studied it. Nay! among the Persians none might reign unless he was skilful in this GREAT ART. This Noble Science often degenerateth, from _Natural_ becometh _Diabolical_, and from _True Philosophy_ turneth unto _Nigromancy_.[11] The which is wholly to be charged upon its followers, who, abusing or not being capable of that High and Mystical Knowledge do immediately hearken unto the temptations of _Sathan_, and are misled by him into the Study of the _Black Art_. Hence it is that Magic lieth under disgrace, and they who seek after it are vulgarly esteemed _Sorcerers_. The Fraternity of the Rosie Crusians thought it not fit to style themselves Magicians, but rather Philosophers. And they be not ignorant Empiricks,[12] but learned and experienced Physicians, whose remedies be not only _Lawful_ but _Divine_. Footnote 7: This Preliminary Definition of Magic is found in very few Codices, and is probably later than the body of the work. Footnote 8: Or Actives. Footnote 9: Or Passives. Footnote 10: Or Effect. Footnote 11: Or the Black Art, as distinct from mere Necromancy, or Divination by the Dead. Footnote 12: Or Quacks and Pretenders. Vide note on p. 10. THE BRIEF INTRODUCTORY DESCRIPTION. (N.B. This is taken from several MS. Codices, of which the four principal variations are here composed together in parallel columns as an example of the close agreement of the various texts of the Lemegeton. For in the whole work the differences in the wording of the various Codices are not sufficient to require the constant giving of parallel readings; but except in the more ancient examples there is much deterioration in the Seals and Sigils, so that in this latter respect the more recent exemplars are not entirely reliable.) CLAVICULA SALOMONIS REGIS,