Dr Dee & his magical tools
Science and magic in 17th century Europe
During his lifetime the English scientist and mystic Dr John Dee was able to gather one of the world's finest collections of scientific instruments, magical artefacts and occult literature.
Dr John Dee
Towards the end of his life Dee was forced to dispose of large parts of his collection, and the remainder was divided at his death. Some of Dr John Dee's belongings are today on display in the British Museum, others are owned by known and unknown private collectors with an interest in magic and occultism.
Dr Cagliostro´s Cabinet of Curiosities is proud to present some of the remarkable things that the enigmatic Dr John Dee used in his attempt to find the hidden secrets of the creation.
Spectacles veritas
The glass from church windows has for hundreds of years been used to discover and uncover magical illusions. Anyone who looks through the hallowed glass is able to see beyond illusions created in a supernatural way. These strange spectacles are manufactured in the early 16th century and are allegedly cut from the window glass from one of Christianity's oldest churches.
Astrolabium
Dr Dee was employed as an astrologer and diviner at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, and throughout his life he collected many instruments for astronomical calculations. Dr Dee's astrolabe is a fascinating device from the Indian Lodi dynasty.
Obsidian speculum
Mirrors in volcanic glass were crafted in the Aztec kingdom for various magical purposes. They were used by priests in séances, fortune telling rituals and healing ceremonies.
Dr Dee used Aztec obsidian mirrors in his complex method for communicating with spirits and other astral beings.
Virga magica
The wand that rests in Dr Cagliostro´s collection, and is attributed to Dr John Dee, corresponds in many ways to the description of the wand Dee bought in Prague during a visit to the Jewish mystic Judah Loew ben Bezalel.