The Wisdom of the Ages and the Secrets of the Sages: A Medieval Arabic Grimoire

The Wisdom of the Ages and the Secrets of the Sages (Kitab'Uyun al-Haqa'iq wa Idah al-Tara'iq) is a thirteenth century Arabic book of sorcery, containing procedures pertaining to the manipulation of the laws of physics, burnt sacrifices, smoke, putrefaction, and many other magical operations. This book, previously unavailable in English, is an exemplar of the medieval magic of Syria, showing influences of alchemy, natural magic, demonology and ceremonial magic. The author has arranged the book into thirty chapters; each chapter describes sublime operations of a scientific and mystical nature, often described in allegorical terms. Its many described magical operations include the construction of magical rings and amulets, magical lamps, devices for divination, incenses, medicines, dyes, and commentaries on blood sacrifices. The compendium of formulae also contains extensive information on plants, animals and minerals.