Magic

maj'ik, a general name for a wonderful effect produced by a mysterious cause. We have the word from Persia, where the priestly caste, the wise men of the Medes and Persians, were called Magi. Magic is akin to enchantment, sorcery, witchcraft, alchemy, and other superstitions. Idolatry has its basis, not in veneration, but in a belief in magical power to do good and evil. A belief in magic is common to all primitive peoples. It dies hard. The African rain doctor shook his medicine bag to bring up a shower. The magi pronounced mystical words to drive away the pestilence. Aladdin rubbed his magical lamp to make the genii appear. The fourteenth century quack rubbed healing salve on the edge of the instrument instead of on the wound, relying on magic. Nor is a belief in magic yet dead. The American Indian still dances to bring on a rain; the Mohammedan wears a sacred amulet; the would-be financier advocates making money with a printing press; and the invalid relies on patent medicines and incredible cures. All believe that, in some mysterious way, the desired result may be brought about. See Idolatry; Superstition