142 NATURAL HISTORY. 



latter times. There are used also Scripture words ; 

 for that the belief that religious texts and words have 



O 



power, may strengthen the imagination. And for the 

 same reason, Hebrew words (which amongst us is 

 counted the holy tongue, and the words more mys 

 tical) are often used. 



949. For the refreshing of the imagination (which 

 was the third means of exalting it), we see the prac 

 tices of magic : as in images of wax, and the like, that 

 should melt by little and little ; or some other things 

 buried in muck, that should putrefy by little and little ; 

 or the like : for so oft as the imaginant doth think of 

 those things, so oft doth he represent to his imagination 

 the effect of that he desireth. 



950. If there be any power in imagination, it is less 

 credible that it should be so incorporeal and immate- 

 riate a virtue, as to work at great distances, or through 

 all mediums, or upon all bodies ; but that the distance 

 must be competent, the medium not adverse, and the 

 body apt and proportionate. Therefore if there be 

 any operation upon bodies in absence by nature, it is 

 like to be conveyed from man to man, as fame is ; as 

 if a witch by imagination should hurt any afar off, it 

 cannot be naturally, but by working upon the spirit of 

 some that cometh to the witch ; and from that party 

 upon the imagination pf another ; and so upon an 

 other ; till it come to one that hath resort to the party 

 intended ; and so by him to the party intended him 

 self. And although they speak, that it sufficeth to 

 take a point, or a piece of the garment, or the name 

 of the party, or the like ; yet there is less credit to 

 be given to those things, except it be by working of 

 evil spirits. 



