Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the opinions and differences Augustine held concerning references to magic and demonology found in the writings of Apuleius, who lived some 200 years before him. To establish a basis we have first examined Apuleius work to find out what this North African wrote about magic or demonology. The next process was to investigate the Life of Apuleius to ascertain whether or not there were any influences that inclined him to be a magic worker or a worker of miracles. The last step was to read his work thoroughly and to search for and classify the evidences found there as to magic and demonology. | Apuleius was thoroughly taken up with the idea of magic, its power, and also the great intercessory power of the demons. His works show this attitude. We next turn our minds to the reason why St. Augustine was so interested in this man, Apuleius. Many things attracted Augustine to his fellow African; but the most important was a mutual interest in magic and demonology, though from a very different viewpoint than that of Apuleius. | Augustine's opinions concerning these beliefs and practices in the Works of Apuleius will be shown by the evidence in St. Augustine's own writings. It will be shown even more by his reaction, rejection and refutation of Apuleius' idea of demons and their characteristics. It is not within the scope of this study to go into philosophy or theology. This dissertation aims to establish a certain literary relationship between these two great North Africans, and points out both what beliefs they held in common and what difference of opinions existed on the same subject matter.