originally signified only the knowledge of the more sublime parts of philosophy; but as the magi likewise professed astrology, divination and sorcery, the term magi became odious, being used to signify an unlawful diabolical kind of science, acquired by the assistance of the devil and departed souls.

Magic Lantern, in optics. See Optics.

Magistry, in chemistry, a very fine powder made by solution and precipitation.

Magistry of Bismuth. See Chemistry, p. 90.

Magistrate, any public officer to whom the executive power of the law is committed, either wholly or in part.

Magna Assisa Eligenda, is a writ anciently directed to the sheriff for summoning four lawful knights before the justices of assize, in order to choose twelve knights of the neighbourhood, &c., to pass upon the great assize between such a person plaintiff, and such a one defendant.