francis barrett (born probably in london around 1770-1780) was an english occultist. ==career== barrett, an englishman, claimed himself to be a student of chemistry, metaphysics, and natural occult philosophy. he was known to be an extreme eccentric who gave lessons in the magical arts in his apartment and fastidiously translated kabbalistic and other ancient texts into english. ==the magus== he was very enthusiastic about reviving interest in the occult arts, and published a magical textbook called the magus. few people, even today, know that the magus was a compilation, almost entirely consisting of selections from cornelius agrippa's three books of occult philosophy, the fourth book of occult philosophy attributed to agrippa and the robert turner's 1655 translation of the heptameron of peter of abano. barrett made a few modifications and modernized the spelling and syntax of these selections. apart from possibly influencing the english occult novelist edward bulwer-lytton, the book gained little notice until it influenced eliphas levi. the magus dealt with the natural magic of herbs and stones, magnetism, talismanic magic, alchemy, numerology, the elements, and biographies of famous adepts from history. the magus also served as an advertising tool. in it barrett sought interested people wanting to help form his magic circle. an advertisement in the magus (vol. 2, p.&nbsp;140) refers to an otherwise unknown school founded by barrett. according to the advertisement : {{quote|the author of this work respectfully informs those that are curious in the studies of art and nature, especially of natural and occult philosophy, chemistry, astrology, etc., etc., that, having been indefatigable in his researches in those sublime sciences; of which he has treated at large in this book, that he gives private instructions and lectures upon any of the above-mentioned sciences; in the course of which he will discover many curious and rare experiments. those who become students will be initiated into the choicest operations of natural philosophy, natural magic, the cabbala, chemistry, the talismanic arts, hermetic philosophy, astrology, physiognomy, etc., etc. likewise they will acquire the knowledge of the rites, mysteries, ceremonies and principles of the ancient philosophers, magi, cabbalists, and adepts, etc. the purpose of this school (which will consist of no greater number than twelve students) being to investigate the hidden treasures of nature; to bring the mind to a contemplation of the eternal wisdom; to promote the discovery of whatever may conduce to the perfection of man; the alleviating the miseries and calamities of this life, both in respect of ourselves and ot
1780_deaths English_occult_writers English_schoolteachers