GRIMOIRES - MEDICAL TALISMANS Talismans are magical figures designed to achieve certain effects by spiritual means - usually by evoking the power of a particular angel or demon. The examples on this plate are medical talismans, intended to protect against specific diseases. The magical figures drawn on the obverse and reverse are little more than sigils and crude Greek or Latin magical words. From Iohann Huser, Archidoxis Magicae , 1590, which is based on the writings of Paracelsus. From top, reading left to right. The four images to be made on iron (top) and gold (bottom) lamens, to be effective against gout. The obverse and reverse of talismans to be made to work against contractures. Three talismans to aid in difficult menses.