Grimoire ou la magie naturelle. 1750
[STARICIUS, Johannes]. [KHUNRATH, Heinrich].
Grimoire ou la magie naturelle.
La Haye, Aux dépens de la Compagnie, [s.d., ca. 1750].
2500 €
12mo (136x86 mm), 600 pages.
illustration: Few small woodcuts within the text.
binding: Contemporary full mottled calf, spine gilt in six compartments, title in gilt on lettering-piece.
Foxed, few stains. Corners bumped, short split to upper joint.
First edition in french of "Heldenschatz das ist: Naturkündliches Bedencken uber und bey Vulcanischer auch Naturlicher Magischer Fabrefaction und zubereitung der Wassen" from Staricius.
The first part of the work reproduces a manuscript by the noted spiritual alchemist and influence on the Rosicrucian movement Heinrich Khunrath: "Consilium de Vulcani magica fabrefactione armorum Achillis Graecorum omnium fortissimi et cedere nescii, 1597".
Khunrath discussing making magical weapons, using alchemical principles. He describes in particular the composition of the Magicum Electrum of Paracelsus.
The remaining parts are a translation of Staricius's Treasure of Heroes. It's a books of secrets with many receipt on magical weapons, powder or fireworks, recipes for medicines, to become invincible, remedies against spells, etc.
references: Caillet [II, 4782], Guaita [632], Coumont [G80.1].
