MAGIC, (MAGIA, Μαγικη), in its ancient sense, the science or discipline and doctrine of the magi, or wise men of Persia. See MAGI.
The origin of magic and the magi is ascribed to Zoroaster. Salmasius derives the very name from Zoroaster, who, he says, was furnished Mog, whence Magus. Others, instead of making him the author of the Persian philosophy, make him only the restorer and improver thereof; alleging, that many of the Persian rites in use among the magi were borrowed from the Zabii among the Chaldeans, who agreed in many things with the magi of the Persians; whence some make the name magus common both to the Chaldeans and Persians. Thus Plutarch mentions, that Zoroaster instituted magi among the Chaldeans, in imitation whereof the Persians had theirs too.