Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original Manuscripts

by Andrew Dickson White

3d. The same person continuing the above conversation, asserted that he possessed certain instruments which were useful for many things, and proceeded to take from his right breeches’ pocket a paper containing three or four folds of something, which were not distinctly seen by reason of the night. And it being demanded of him where he had learned his arts, he replied that he had obtained them from a book of magic in his possession, which taught him how to do whatever he desired.

Declared unanimously that this contains another profession like that already qualified.

4th. He declared to the person to whom the above assertions were made, that out of the abovementioned book he could acquire the art of making himself invisible; also that in this manner a man could be made invulnerable to the thrust of a sword; in proof of which he would make trial upon the body of a dog or cat, that they might see the truth of it.

Declared unanimously that this contains a new profession of necromancy.

5th. The person who bore witness to these proceedings having asked him whether he knew any art respecting playing at ball, he replied that he did not at present, but would make researches and come to the house of the above person, where he would teach him other arts which he knew, to gain the favor of the ladies. This was agreed upon, and this person gave him directions to find his house, offering him money if he would make these disclosures to him, all with a view to give information of the same to the Holy Office, in order to purify our Holy Faith, and extirpate everything contrary thereto.

Declared unanimously that this contains a profession of necromancy qualified as above, with the addition of an amatory necromantical practice.

6th. Some days after this, in consequence of the above agreement, he went to the said person’s house, where he gave him a strip of parchment about a finger’s breadth wide, and a span long, slit through the middle and united at the extremity, on which was written the following. ‘Ego + sum, Exe + Homo, consummatum + est, Ego Joaquinus Aprecor Domini nostri Jesu Christi in vitam eternam seculi seculorum, libera me de omnibus rebus, de ignis cautus et omnia instrumenta hominum detenta me ach die, ach nocte, custode rege et gubername amen.’ This was rolled up within a piece of lead and a portion of bone, and, according to his direction, was to be worn next the skin, near the arm, in the shape of a cross. This would, as he asserted, secure the wearer against any thrusts with a sword. The articles have been exhibited.

Declared unanimously that this contains a practice with instruments of superstitious necromancy, added to a doctrine for their application which is abusive of the sacred scripture and insulting to the holy cross.

7th. On the same occasion, he gave to this person another piece of parchment, half a finger’s breadth wide, and above two yards long, at one end of which was drawn with ink a leg and foot, and at the other a heart surmounted by a cross, with other figures and letters in different parts. With this he took divers measures upon the body of the person abovementioned, from one shoulder to the other, from the shoulder to the chin and nose, from the chin to the stomach, measuring also the face, which he informed him was done to secure him from wounds. He directed him to rub it over with the wax which dripped from the tapers burnt during the celebration of mass. This was to be done on nine several days, and the operation was to be concealed from view by his cloak. The parchment was exhibited.

Declared unanimously, that this contains an additional profession of necromancy, with an exhibition of additional necromantical instruments, and the method of using them, added to an insult to the holy sacrifice of the mass and the holy cross.