Constant, Alphonse Louis (1816-1875)

Dogma and Ritual of high magic. An epitome in English of the 'Dogme et rituel de la Haute Magie', first published in 1856. On the verso of the last page of the epitome, is an added note, stating that Constant is dead. The epitome is followed by two pages written by another hand, and dated 1904, which seem to contain part of a diary of a working alchemist, dealing with some unsuccessful experiments.

c. 1865

1 volume 33 ll. + 25 bl. ll. 8vo. 201/2 x 13 cm. Original calf binding. Written in a cash-lined note-book, of which a large number of leaves have been cut out.

Purchased 1935.

The author was a celebrated French occultist, who wrote under the pseudonym of 'Eliphas Levi'. Having been ordained a Roman Catholic priest, he was professor of Hebrew (?) at the St. Sulpice Seminary in Paris. In 1848 he renounced his religion and his Orders, and went through a form of marriage, devoting his energies to occultism, on which he produced many works. He was reconciled to the Church shortly before his death in 1875.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).