On Occult Philosophy

II. Of Conjurations.

But to speak of conjurations, it is first necessary to set forth where they come from, what their foundation is, who first invented and used them, what has been accomplished by them, and how they have fallen more and more into such great and unspeakable abuse. Regarding this, you should know that they first arose and took their origin in Babylonia, and in that same kingdom they spread more and more. Afterwards they came to Egypt, then to the Israelites, and finally to us Christians. Among the Nigromantici necromancers, they became so common and were held in such high regard that they have hitherto attributed all possibilities to themselves through their ignorance, more than to prayer and faith. This is a presumed and damned foundation, which has no place or standing; rather, it should be seriously punished and abolished by the authorities.