Blagraves astrological practice of physick discovering the true way to cure all kinds of diseases and infirmities ... being performed by such herbs and plants which grow within our own nation ... : also a discovery of some notable phylosophical secrets worthy our knowledge, relating to a discovery of all kinds of evils, whether natural or ... from sorcery or witchcraft, or by being possessed of an evil spirit, directing how to cast forth the said evil spirit out of any one which is possessed, with sundry examples thereof / by Joseph Blagrave of Reading, Gent. ...

To all such who are Students, and well-Willers unto this most excel∣lent Science of Astrology,

I Presume, that no sooner are these following Books come forth, but some will be ready to say, What needs this Treatise, since we have so many books of this nature extant, written both so Learned and Copious even in our own Language that one would think, nothing more could be written of this Subject? but yet we know, that in all Arts and Sciences whatsoever, no man can so curiously and ex∣actly write of any matter or thing, of what Nature soever, but that something might be added thereunto; and were it but only a confirmation of what have been written formerly by other Authors, yet its but reaso∣nable, that such persons who have been Practitioners and Students in this Art, should likewise have liberty to write their Knowledge and Experience herein: And although in general we keep close unto one intire Method and Rule, as in our Introduction appears, compared with others, even as with young Scholars, so in this Science, there must be beginning or entrance at the first, after which, each industrious Student and Practitioner may increase in knowledge, and so make farther progress and discoveries herein; and having attained thereunto some perfection, may do well to communicate their knowledge unto others, that so this Art may continually be inlarged: we find that in

all Ages this Art hath still increased, by means of those Worthies who have been Students and Practitioners therein, whose Books are extant of this nature: I confess, in some material matters and circumstances I differ from many Authors, yet I keep close unto the Principles of Art, giving sufficient reasons for what I write; those that read my Books, being compared with other Authors may follow that way and method (which by tryal) doth manifest its self to be most effectual: I do not intend by this my vvriting, in the least, to disparage other vvorthy Authors, but do high∣ly praise and extol those excellent Works vvritten by our Learned and Ingenious Countrey-men, vvho have taken much pains in Demonstrating the Art; only as I have already said, vvhere there is a Continuance of Practice each ingenious person may vvithout doubt add something to the increase of knovvledge; and I question not, but that each Practitioner and young Student vvill gain somevvhat by my Labours herein. And as for such vvho are vvell learned in this Art, al∣though my vvriting may not adde much unto their knovvledge herein, yet in point of vvisdom and love to the Art and Artists I presume they vvill take vvhat I have vvritten in good part, and pass by my failings (if any) vvith silence: But as to the envious, they shall not much trouble me, considering their persons vvill be sufficiently revvarded, as being to themselves most destructive. But unto such vvho are loving and true lovers of the Art, I vvish a blessing upon their Studies and that they may increase in knovvledge, Vale.