"[Alchemy & Magic] Giambattista della PORTA - La magie naturelle qui est les secrets et miracles de nature mise en quatre livres From Nicolas Bonfons in Paris, 1584 - One of the rare 16th-century French editions of this alchemical text by Neapolitan Jean-Baptiste Porta, translated from Latin into French. A fine copy in full green morocco, with a later 19th-century binding by Malet. Rubbing to the spines and first board weakened with a small crack at the top of the first spine, otherwise in good condition. Fine engraved title vignette, text complete. In this best-selling book, originally published in Italian in Lyon in 1563, the author deals with invisible ink, various medical and cosmetic recipes (wrinkles, breasts, hair, ointments, etc.), the transmutation of metal and mirrors, distillation processes and more. In particular, he recounts the experience of the sword protruding from the concave mirror. Caillet considers this text to be the best treatise on practical or ceremonial magic. French translations of this work are still sought-after. It comprises four books: natural phenomena - medicinal preparations - alchemy and metallurgy - optics. In-16, 277pp + table."