Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MAG'IC, n. [L. magia; Gr. μαγεια, from Μαγος, a philosopher among the Persians.]

1. The art or science of putting into action the power of spirits; or the science of producing wonderful effects by the aid of superhuman beings, or of departed spirits; sorcery; enchantment. [This art or science is now discarded.]
2. The secret operations of natural causes. Bacon. Natural magic, the application of natural causes to passive subjects, by which surprising effects are produced. Encyc. Celestial magic, attributes to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets, and to the planets an influence over men. Superstitious or geotic magic, consists in the invocation of devils or demons, and supposes some tacit or express agreement between them and human beings. Encyc. Magic square, a square figure, formed by a series of numbers in mathematical proportion, so disposed in parallel and equal ranks, as that the sums of each row or line taken perpendicularly, horizontally, or diagonally, are equal. Encyc. Magic lantern, a dioptric machine invented by Kircher, which, by means of a lamp in a dark room, exhibits images of objects in their distinct colors and proportions, with the appearance of life itself. Encyc.