263. CONCERNING THE TEACHABLENESS [docilitas] OF SPIRITS, AND CONCERNING MAGIC Besides the many experiences I have had repeatedly for a long time, I have also learnt today by a certain particular experience, that spirits are teachable [docilis], and indeed eagerly seize upon those things which no one can imagine for himself; and also that the natural magic of the Egyptians was due to that cause. For there are very many spirits who try to say similar things, but because it is abominable and profane their mouth is immediately closed, and they are cast out of the society; for they are abominable pests of societies there, consequently they are held in a place where they can no longer communicate their magical arts to others. They were only admitted to me for the sake of temptation. 1747, Nov. 23, o.s.