CHAPTER V. Belief in Magic in the Empire

BELIEF IN MAGIC IN THE EMPIRE

Outline of contents of this chapter 65

I. General Attitude: Prejudice against “magic” and condemnation of Magi 65 Views of Apuleius and of Philostratus 66 In reality a widespread belief in magic 67 Explanation of apparent opposition to astrology 68 Galen 69 Neo-Platonism 70 Philosophy confounded with magic 71

II. Philo of Alexandria and Allegorical Interpretation: Question as to connection of allegorical interpretation with magic 72 Historical importance of allegorical interpretation and of Philo 73 Nature of Philo’s allegorical interpretation 73 His influence in the Middle Ages 75

III. Seneca’s Problems of Nature and Divination: Scientific traits of Seneca 75 His tendency to be esoteric and mystical 76 Ground covered by his book 77 His partial rejection of magic 77 His acceptance of divination 78 His discussion of divination from thunder 79

IV. Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos and Astrology: An illustration of the astrology of the scientist 80 Ptolemy and his influence 80 Scientific tone of the preliminary remarks in the Tetrabiblos 81 An attempt to base astrology upon natural law 82 Ptolemy’s explanation of the influence of the planets 82 Summary of remaining contents of his first book 83 Contents of the other three books 83

V. The Hermetic Books and Occultism: Their nature and history, legendary and actual 84 Their contents 86 Their importance 87