Collection of occult images was a last ditch blow against the Enlightenment [NSFW]

Cory Doctorow 8:46 am Thu Jun 11, 2015

The Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros is an 18th century guide to the occult whose cover is inscribed "NOLI ME TANGERE" — Do Not Touch.

The compendium can be seen as a last attempt by those of faith to instil fear among the superstitious. After all, the Compendium Artis Magicae was produced during the decade of revolutions (American and French) and in the Age of Enlightenment—when reason, science and the power of the individual dominated, and the first stirrings of industry were about to change Europe and the world. The horrendous witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries were long banished and the last execution in England for witchcraft took place in 1716 (1727 in Scotland, 1750 in Austria, 1782 in Switzerland), while the practise of witchcraft ceased to be a criminal offense across Europe during the century (England 1735)—all of which makes this Compendium Artis Magicae all the more bizarre.

Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros

The Devil and his Servants: Demonic illustrations from 18th century occult book [Paul Gallagher/Dangerous Minds]

(via Christian Nightmares)

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