Penn in Hand: Selected Manuscripts

Liber Piccatriciae [manuscript].

[France?, between 1750 and 1799]

227 leaves : paper ; 230 x 177 (185 x 100) mm. bound to 236 x 182 mm.

Latin translation of an Arabic magical handbook copied from the Spanish-language version. The text is a conglomeration of older magical and astrological works and is not clearly organized, but deals primarily with subjects such as talismans, lunar phases, and zodiac signs. Sections also include practical applications for performing magic with the use of talismans and sigils. The text draws on numerous authors and traditions, with a section devoted to discussing Indian astrological and ascetic traditions (p. 168), but also references Egyptian history, Islam, and pseudo-Aristotelian works. Also includes a table of contents at the end (p. i-x).

Ms. codex.

Title from title page (p. i).

Pagination: Paper, ii (contemporary paper) + 227 + ii (contemporary paper) leaves; [i], 1-89, [ii], 90-440, [x]; contemporary pagination in ink, upper outer corners.

Layout: Written in 25-29 long lines.

Script: Written in a cursive script by a single hand.

Decoration: Astrological symbols throughout (for example, p. 381).

Binding: Contemporary gold-tooled leather. Upper hinge nearly detached; lower hinge cracking; spine leather deteriorating.

Origin: Written in France[?] in the second half of the 18th century.

UPenn Ms. Codex 1678.

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts University of Pennsylvania Ms. Codex 1678