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
latter respect the more recent exemplars are not entirely reliable.)
7 This Preliminary Definition of Magic is found in very few Codices, and is probably later than the
body of the work.
8 Or Actives.
9 Or Passives.
10 Or Effect.
11 Or the Black Art, as distinct from mere Necromancy, or Divination by the Dead.
12 Or Quacks and Pretenders. Vide note on p. 10.