was originally lead, afterwards it became tin, then brass, then silver, and finally reached the development of gold; not knowing that the natural philosophers mean, in saying this, only something what they mean when they speak of man, and attribute to him a completeness and equilibrium in nature and constitution—not that man was once a bull, and was changed into an ass, afterwards into a horse, and after that into an ape, and finally became a man."
ELEVEN VERSES ENTITLED THE AMULETS,
CONSIDERED AS TALISMANS AGAINST
MAGIC CHARMS
In the name of the all-merciful God! I will fly for refuge to the Lord of the light of day.
That he may deliver me from the danger of beings and things created by himself.
From the dangers of the darksome night, and the moon when in eclipse.
From the danger of sorcerers, who tie knots and blow on them with their breath.
From the danger oi the envious, who devise deadly harm.
I will fly for refuge to Allah, the Lord of men.
To Allah, the King of men.
To Allah, the God of men.
That he may deliver me from the evil spirit who flies at the mention of his holy name.
Who suggests evil thoughts into the hearts of the children of men.
And from the evil genii and men who deal in magic.
