Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 2)

ecstasy or silence. Samadhi and Nibbana are but its shadows cast upon the universe. II If the Master Therion effects by tliis book noihing else but to demonstrate the continuily of nature and the uniformity of Law5 He will feel that Mis work bas not been wasted. In his original design of Part III he did not contemplate any allusion to alchemy. It has somehow been taken for granted that this subject is entirely foreign to regular Magick, both in scope and method. It will be the main object of the following descrip¬ tion to establish it as essentially a branch of the subject, and to show that it may be considered simply as a particular case of the general proposition — differing from evocatory and talismanic Magick only in the values which are represented by the unknown quantities in the pantomorphous équations. There is no need to make any systematized attempt to decipher the jargon of Hermetic treatises. We need not enter upon an historical discussion. Let it suffice to say that the Word alchemy is an Arabie term consisting of the article “al” and the adjective “khemi” which means “that which pertains to Egypt” h A rough translation would be “The Egyptian matter”. The assumption is that the Mohammedan grammarians held traditionally that the art was derived from that wisdom of the Egyptians which was the boast of Moses, Plato, and Pythagoras, and the source of their illumination. Modem research (by profane scholars) leaves it still doubtful as to whether Alchemical treatises should be classified as mystical, magical, medical, or Chemical. The most reasonable opinion is that ail these objects formed the pre-occupation of the alchemists in varying proportions. Hermes is alike the God of Wisdom, Thau- maturgy, therapeutics, and physical science. Ail these may con- sequently claim the title Hermetic. It cannot be doubted that such writers as Fludd aspired to spiritual perfection. It is equally sure that Edward Kelly wrote primarily from the point of view i. This etymology differs from that given by Skeat; I can do no more than présent my submission.