Natural Magick by John Baptista Porta 1957 The Collectors Series in Science Basic Books HC with original slipcase

This is a very good hardcover with an acceptable original slipcase. 1957 The Collectors Series in Science from Basic Books Publishing. This copy is very good inside and out. NOTE: previous owners names written in script inside front cover. Rest of inside pages are actually still crisp and clean. The binding is tight and straight. The hardcover boards are also very good with only light shelf wear. The accompanying slipcase is acceptable and considered good as present. The slipcase is showing extensive wear but still legible lettering and descriptions. Super octavo book size or 7" x 11" with 409 pages.

Originally published in 1558 as Magia Naturalis, and was divided into 20 "books" or sections with observations on various scientific topics such as metallurgy, geology, poisons, medicines and more. It was expanded significantly during the authors lifetime. Sources used in the book were derived from ancient learning from those such as Theophrastus and Pliny the Elder. When the short version of the book was published, Elizabeth l was ascending the throne of England and Francis Bacon and William Shakespeare had not yet been born. One of the greatest importance of the book is its being the only printed record of a evanescent and little known organization that was the first scientific society, and progenitor of the Royal Society of London among others where science if formally organized. The editors preface by Derek Price, Smithsonian Institute at the time, expands on the historic significance of the work along with the contributors and author. The edition is a facsimile of the original expanded works.

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