[227] That is to say, the mid-heaven; as stated in the 4th Chapter of the 3rd Book, and in the commencement of the present Chapter.
[228] This mode of divination, as practised by the Greeks, is mentioned by Potter. It is likewise described by a learned Doctor of Medicine, Geo. Pictorius Vigillanus (in his Treatise “de Speciebus Magiæ Ceremonialis,” printed at Strasburgh, 1531), as being used “when the fraudulent vanity of a dæmon renders things more like each other than eggs are to eggs.” And, according to this writer, it is practised by exorcising water, and pouring it into a basin, wherein the vain and refractory dæmon is immersed: the said dæmon will sometimes remain at the bottom, and sometimes raise himself to the surface, sending forth a slender hissing; out of which the desired responses are to be formed.
[229] Κρασεσι των χρωματων.—These words have been rendered literally, but they seem to contain some figurative meaning, rather than a literal one. Perhaps the preferable sense of them is, “by a mixture of views,” or “from various pursuits being blended together.”
[230] The words marked with inverted commas are not in the Greek; they are found, however, in two Latin translations; that of Basle, 1541, and that of Perugio, 1646.
[231] In other Editions, “whether by conjunction or aspect.”
[232] “Saturn.” Not found in the Elzevir edition, but in others.
[233] The words thus marked “ ” are not found in the Elzevir edition, but appear in the Latin one of Basle, 1541.
[234] Πεpi παιδας επιθυμητικους.
[235] That is to say, from the new and the full Moon.
[236] By mutual reception; according to Whalley, and also according to the Latin copy of Perugio, 1646.