King Solomon's Grimoire - The Lesser Key of Solomon - Clavicula Salmonis Rex (French Edition)

The Grimoire of King Solomon or Clavicula Salmonis Rex, also translated into French under another title: The Key of Solomon.

This rare book is a faithful and restored copy of the French translation of a Manuscript found in Jerusalem, in Solomon's sepulchre. This book was first published in Rome in the year of grace 1634.

The Key of Solomon is divided into two books. Forty-four talismans with their
engravings illustrate its pages. They are accompanied by a precise description of how to use them.

Unlike later grimoires such as the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (16th century) or the Lemegeton (17th century), the Key of Solomon does not mention the signatures of the 72 spirits constrained by King Solomon in a bronze vessel.

As in most medieval grimoires, all magical operations are supposedly performed with the power of God, to whom all invocations are sent. Before any operations (called "experiments") are
performed, the operator must confess their sins and purify themselves from evil, by invoking the protection of God.

All substances necessary for the magic schemes and amulets are detailed, as well as ways to purify and prepare them. Many symbols incorporate the occult alphabet Transitus Fluvii.

Introduction
According to the mythical history of the document, as stated in its introduction, Solomon wrote the book for his son Rehoboam, and ordered him to hide the book in his sepulchre when he was buried. After several years the book was discovered by a group of Babylonian philosophers who were busy repairing Solomon's tomb. No one could interpret the text, until one of them, Iohé Grevis, suggested praying to God to understand the text. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and made him promise to keep the text hidden from unworthy and evil people, after which he was able to read the text clearly. Iohé Grevis then performed a conjuration on the book, dictating that
unworthy, ill-advised people and those who do not fear God will not achieve the desired effects of the experiments inscribed therein.

Book I
The Key of Solomon. Book I contains conjurations, invocations, and curses to invoke and compel the spirits of the dead and demons to force them to do whatever one wants. It also describes how to find stolen items, become invisible, obtain favors and love, etc.

Book II
Book II describes different purifications that the operator (named "exorcist") should undertake, how they should dress, how the magical instruments used in their operation should be constructed, and what animal sacrifices should be made to the spirits.