Studies in Magic, From Latin Literature (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Studies in Magic, From Latin Literature

Although references to magic are found in almost every Latin author, there is not available in English any general treatment of the subject of Magic in Latin Literature. We have, it is true, excellent chapters by Fowler,1 Dill,2 Cumont,3 and others, touching upon Roman magic; but these scholars treat the subject rather because of its important relation to some other field of investigation than for its own sake.

This dissertation will attempt, therefore, first, to furnish a general introduction to Roman magic, especially as reflected in Latin literature; and then, to add, as a specimen of de tailed study, a chapter on Roman prophylactic magic. To this beginning I hope to add, later, chapters on various phases of the same subject, such as, Magic and Curative Medicine, The Number Three in Magic, and Spitting as an Act of Magic.

By way of further delimitation it may be added that Greek literature has been drawn upon only where it bears directly upon our discussion, and that no exhaustive collection of the material of Latin literature itself has been attempted beyond the third century of our era.4 I have been compelled, also, through lack of space and time, to ignore practically all epi graphical and archaeological material.

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This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Studies in Magic, From Latin Literature

This monograph has been approved by the Department of Classical Philology of Columbia University as a contribution to knowledge worthy of publication.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.