Genius
3 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Genius. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
An Encyclopaedia of Occultism (1920)
Is generally used as the name of a superior class of ærial beings, holding an intermediate rank between mortals and immortals. That, at least, appears to be the signification of Daemon," the corresponding term in Greek. It is probable, that the whole system of Demonology was invented by the Platonic philosophers, and engrafted by degrees on the popular mythology. The Platonists professed, however, to derive their doctrines from the "theology of the ancients," so that this system may have come originally from the East, where it formed a part of the tenets of Zoroaster. This sage ascribed all the operations of nature to the agency of celestial beings, the ministers of one supreme first cause, to whose most visible and brilliant image, Fire , homage was paid as his representative. Some Roman writers speak of "the Genius" as "the God of Nature," or "Nature" itself, but their notions seem to have been modified by, if not formed from, etymological considerations, more likely to mislead than to afford a certain clue to the real meaning of the term. At a later period, they supposed almost every N • .. ... created thing, animate or inanimate, to be protected by its guardian genius, a sort of demi-god, who presided over its birth, and was its constant companion till its death. Thus, Censorinus, who lived about the middle of the third century, wrote as follows : "The genius is a god supposed to be attendant on everyone from the time of his birth. Many think the genius to be the same as the lars of the We may well believe that its power over ancients. Some ascribe two genii us is great, yea, absolute. at least to those who live in the houses of married persons." Euclid, the Socratic philosopher, gives two to every one, a point on which Lucilius, in his "Satires," insists we cannot be informed. To the genius, therefore, so powerful through the whole course of one's life, they offered yearly sacrifices. As the birth of every mortal was a peculiar object of his guardian genius's solicitude, the marriagebed was called the genial bed, "lectus genialis"; the same invisible patron was supposed also to be the author of joy and hilarity, whence a joyous was called a genial life, "genialis vita." There is a curious passage relating to the functions of the Greek demons in the Symposium of Plato, in which he says: (Speech of Socrates) "from it (i.e., the agency of genii) proceed all the arts of divination, and all the science of priests, with respect to sacrifices, initiations, incantations, and everything, in short, which relates to oracles and enchantments. The deity holds no direct intercourse with man; but, by this means, all the converse and communications between the gods and men, whether asleep or awake, take place; and he who is wise in these things is a man peculiarly guided by his genius." We here see the origin of the connection between demonology and magic; an association perpetually occurring in the romances of the East, if the Jinns of the Mussulmans can be identified with the genii of the Platonists. (See also Jinn ,)
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
gen'i-us (pl. Genii), in Roman mythology, a tutelary deity or protecting spirit. Every man was supposed to be accompanied from his cradle to his grave by two genii. The good genius brought all good things into his life, while the evil genius was responsible for whatever of unhappiness and misfortune fell to his lot. From his birth till his death, these two genii strove each for the mastery of his destiny. Not only was each man thus attended, but every created thing, every animal or plant or inanimate object, every stream or mountain or forest, had its peculiar genius. The nation also had its genius. In the vicinity of the Roman Forum a statue was erected to the national genius, and a representation of this figure is seen frequently on coins. From this belief in the divine guardianship of the destiny of man, the peculiarities of mind and character which are closely associated with the career of each individual were ascribed to the genius. Thus arose the modern word, genius, to denote peculiar mental bent or faculty, as a genius for mathematics. The specific use of the word to denote superior creative gift or endowment implies that such gift is a part of his inborn nature, as the genii who were believed to guard his destiny were with him from the moment of birth. The word genii has been used as a name for the djinn or jinn of the Orientals. The djinn, however, was a totally different being from the Roman genius. Djinns were of intermediate rank between angels and men, but inferior in dignity to both. They were created of fire, and were invisible to man. The djinns can assume any form of man or brute. They are usually the enemies of mankind, but, if subdued by the spells of powerful magicians, may be made to serve man, which they can do most successfully on account of their wonderful powers.
1000 Classical Characters (1900)
A protecting spirit, analogous to the guardian angels invoked by the Church of Rome. The belief in such spirits existed both in Greece and at Rome. 2026 Editor's Note: The classical definition of a genius as a personal guardian spirit differs from the modern understanding of exceptional intellectual or creative ability. Modern usage is instead associated with original insight that surpasses expectations and sets new standards for future performance. (Ed: BR 2026-06-05)