PREFACE

IN attempting to compile a volume which might serve as a handbook or work of reference
to the several occult sciences, I have not lost sight of the extensive character ot the subject,
which, now that I have completed my task, is more than ever painfully perceptible.
Excursions into the hterature of the occult, of a somewhat extensive kind, led me to the belief
that popular misconceptions concerning its several branches were many and varied.
Regarding definitions there did not appear to be any substantial agreement, and application to
encyclopædias and ordinary works of reference generally resulted in disappointment. That
a department of human thought so pregnant with interest and so abounding in vitality should
not hitherto have been reduced to presentation in reference form struck me as singular;
and I resolved to do what I could to supply what seemed to me a very real literary and scientific
necessity. That I have been entirely successful is too much to hope. But I have made a
beginning, and this volume may inspire a more worthy hand to the compilation of a more
perfect handbook of the subject

The science of Anthropology has of late years done much to elucidate questions relating
to the origins of magic, and in writing this volume I have freely applied its principles. I have
not, however, permitted scientific considerations to blind me to the marvellous and romantic
character of the material in which I have laboured. Indeed, I am convinced that had I in any
way attempted to subvert this innate quality of the occult to purely scientific
considerations-however worthy of statement-the romance inherent in it would, by reason of its very native force have defeated such an intention, and, even if arrayed in the poorest of
verbiage, would still retain its marvellous powers of attraction, no estimate of which can
be too high.

I have relegated the subject of methods and theories to the introduction. It remains
to thank the many kind friends who have assisted me actively and by advice in the compilation
of this volurne. My assistants, Miss Mavie Jack and Miss K. Nixey, have placed me under a
deep debt of obligation by their careful collection, arrangement and independent work upon
the extensive literature relative to psychic science. To Mr. David MacRitchie, F.S.A. (Scot.),
F.R.A.I., late President of the Gypsy Lore Society, I owe thanks for the article Gypsies."
The late Lieut. William Begg collected much Theosophical matter; and Mr. W. G. Blaikie
Murdoch has rendered me the greatest assistance with difficult biographical material. My
lamented friend, the late Mr. A. J. B. Graham, greatly smoothed my path by throwing light
on legal questions.

I have not burdened the articles with references, but have supplied a bibliographical
appendix.

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