[ASTROLOGY] The Astrologer’s Magazine; and Philosophical Miscellany. Consisting of An Easy Introduction to the Celestial Science of Astrology. The Art of setting a Figure to any Time proposed. Signification of the Houses, Planets, Signs and Aspects. Position, Motion, and Influences, of the Heavenly Bodies. Rules and Examples to Resolve all Lawful Horary Questions. How to calculate Nativities, exemplified by the Genitures of many illustrious Persons. Lives of eminent Philosophers. Singular Prophecies. Chymical Secrets. Medical Prescriptions. Extracts, on interesting Subjects, from the Philosophical Transactions. With a Monthly Portion of Lavater’s Physiognomy, embellished with Several Hundred Etchings and Engravings, illustrative of the Science. Holborn [London]: Printed for W. Locke, 1793-4 £450 8vo., calf-backed marbled paper-covered boards, spine with five raised bands and ‘I’ in gilt to third compartment; pp. [v], 4-250, [ii, index]; together with the highly decorative engraved frontis with an illustration depicting quotes from Job and Milton; containing numerous diagrams, tables and charts throughout; the spine ends re-tipped in calf, now heavily rubbed and lacking label to second compartment, split along edges (but holding) and rubbed all over, some of the marbled paper beginning to chip and boards showing through beneath in places; the frontis, seldom found at all, is here closely shaved at head and affixed to the front paste-down; some light pencil markings to paste down and title; damp stain to lower corner of title; the text block itself occasionally shaved at outer margin, though with no loss of text; aside from light spots and the odd corner tear a very clean copy internally; this copy without the additional engravings, as is also common. A scarce collection of six issues of the ‘Astrologer’s Magazine’, representing the August 1793 to January 1794 issues. Formerly known as ‘The Conjuror's Magazine’ (which ran from 1791-1793), Astrology became such a large focus that the name was changed here, in August 1793. It then ran for just six more issues before publication was ceased. Widely believed to be the first conjuring periodical, it was also one of the first to openly and actively promote the practice of magic. Contributions here include ‘Curious Philosophical Essays upon the Power of the Devil on Human Bodies’, ‘Prophecies of Nostradamus, relating to France’, ‘The Moon’s Influence on Madmen’ and several sections on Witchcraft, including a witch trial held in 1762, ‘Proofs of Witchcraft’, and ‘Children afflicted by supposed Sorcery’, as well as sections on Necromancy, Dreams, Visions, and Palmistry (accompanied by diagrams).