John Smith Gallery

Proclus (ca. 410-485 AD). Procli Diadochi Paraphrasis in Ptolemæi libros IV. de Siderum Affectionibus [Proclus’s Paraphrases on Ptolemy…Stars of Affection]. Leiden, 1635. [D.18.16]

This important publication was the first printed edition of a Paraphrase attributed to Proclus of a work by the great Greek scholar Claudius Ptolemy (c. AD 90–c. AD 168) entitled Apotelesmatiká (meaning 'effects'). Although based on Ptolemy’s original text, the paraphrase deploys a simplified style of writing in order to make the original more accessible. Ptolemy's defense of astrology as a natural, beneficial study helped secure theological tolerance towards astrology in Western Europe during the Medieval era and long after. In John Smith’s day Apotelesmatiká retained its standing as a work indispensable to the study of astrology. It was only at the end of the 17th century that Apotelesmatiká and all it represented became fully outmoded as a product of superstition.