The And Complete Illustration Of The Astrological And Occult Sciences
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:7017269 | Subject: Religion & Spirituality |
| Original/Facsimile: Original | Topic: Occult |
| Binding: Fine Binding | Author: Sibly |
The New and Complete Illustration of the Astrological and Occult Sciences, E. Sibly, London: Printed for the author and Sold By Champante And Whitrow, Jewry-Street, Aldgate. No date on part one’s title page, 1793 on part 2’s title page, 1796 on part three, and 1797 on part 4; four "parts" (each with separate title-page) in two volumes. Large Quarto. (10.5'"x 8.5") Vol. I : pp. (i-xii), 13 - 618. Vol. 2, pp. 619 - 1130 (counting index pages though pagination ends at 1126). Both volu...mes beautifully rebound in dark brown leather and marbled boards and impressively displayed in a custom slipcase of leather and matching marbled boards. Vol. 2 has two cursive handwritten leaves (4 pages), replacing those two missing leaves and comprising pages 659 to 662, beautifully reproducing the exact original content (see photo); handwriting appears to be near contemporary with the date of the book. The spines have 5 raised, gilded bands and the gilded title on a red leather label. Again, beautifully done. Recent endpapers with an aged tone to match the aged, original pages/paper. Some browning, an occasional water stain, some spotting, and a few conjoining pages of a light blue hue, (Weiser Books' quotation below may account for the different hues among pages). Pages 634-658 each have a subtle, light handwritten page number at the top (see photo) in an attempt to repaginate; however, all pages seem to be numerically present and correct. Overall: Good + to VG condition.These two volumes have numerous tables, diagrams, figures, and plates, some quite well known such as Edward Kelly invoking the spirit of a deceased person (see photo).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sibly’s work is in two volumes, vol. 1 having parts 1 and 2 (up to p.618) and vol. 2 finishing part 2 and containing parts 3 and 5 (pp. 619-1130).-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Authorities differ on the subject, but it seems that the first 'volume' of his New and Complete Illustration of the Occult Sciences was first published in 1784, with the subsequent volumes going to press over the next few years. The volumes went through a number of printings, but as mixed sets were often issued and the individual parts were themselves often 'mixed' (that is made up using sheets from a number of different printings) identification of them is difficult.” (Weiser Books at weiserantiquirian.com)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A landmark work in the history of occult and astrological writing. Though Ebenezer Sibly (c. 1749-1800) studied medicine, he had a scholarly and practical interest in the occult, particularly astrology.===============================================================================PART I.An Enquiry into, and Defence of, Astrology; with an interesting Discourse on Natural and Occult Philosophy -- in which the Wisdom and Omnipotence of God; the intellectual Faculties of Angels Spirits, and Men; the Order, Harmony, Sympathy, and wonderful Properties, of the Celestial and Terrestrial Worlds; the Signs, Influences, and Effects, of the Heavenly Bodies upon all animal, vegetable, and mineral, Subtances; the Number of the Spheres; the Method of erecting the Horoscope to cast Nativities; and the Doctrine of Horary Questions; are clearly exemplified and explained.PART II.Examples for acquiring a Practical Knowledge of Astrology, with Rules for calculating, rectifying, and judging, Nativities; by which the Reader is enabled to discover, with Precision and Accuracy, every material Incident of his future Life and Fortune. Illustrated by a variety of new, entertaining, and curious, Questions, lately resolved, upon every material Occurrence in public and private Life. With a Collection of the most remarkabl Nativities tha have been cast for Kings, Princes, and other eminent Men, by the most celebrated, Professors of this science, in all Ages of the World; with astonishing Instances of their exact Completion.PART III.Meteorological Astrology defined and explained: Wherein certain Rules are laid down for prejudging the Revolutions, Vicissitudes, and Misfortunes, with which every Part of the habitable World may be occasionally threatened. General Effects produced by great Conjunctions, Eclipses, Transits, Comets, Blazing Stars, and other extraordinary Phænomena; with the Art of calculating Eclipses, Tides, and Weather, for any Number of Years to come. To which is added, a Collection of improved TABLES, contrived to answer all the Purposes of Astronomical Calculations.PART IV.The Distinction between Astrology and the Diabolical Practice of Exorcism; in which the Methods used for raising up and consulting Spirits are laid open, with various instances of their Compacts with wicked Men. Account of Apparitions and Spirits; including a general Display of the Mysteries of Witchcraft, Divination, Charms, and Necromancy. Compiled from a series of intense Study and Application, and founded on real Examples and Experience===============================================================================(for sale in another venue and will end listing if sells)Occult, demonology, exorcism
