As I pledged earlier this year, here is Part Two of Oracle of the Sibyls from the book Pratique Curieuse circa 1699 C.E. I have tried to be as true to the original as possible, but again, I found I had to throw a clarifying word or phrase in here or there. The questions are of the sort which would mainly appeal to the bourgeoisie and nobility of early eighteenth century France, but many of them are nonetheless the sort of questions which appeal to people in multiple socio-economic situations in every age. Is this teacher a good fit for my child? Have I retained a good lawyer for my case? Does the one I’m thinking of hate me? Can I trust my secret with a certain person? Is my suspicion justified? Do I have to trust my doctor? Will the medicine have an effect on the patient? These latter two questions are still quite relevant. An estimated 251,454 people die annually in the U.S. because of medical errors. It’s the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer.
On the other hand, some of the questions are rather dated. For example, Is the wet-nurse we have chosen for our child any good? In these days when infant formula exists, the question is largely moot. Or ‘If the person who calls himself a nobleman is indeed so.’ Nobles are a dying breed these days, but if you want to reinterpret it as ‘is the person who claims they’re from a high-falutin’ family telling the truth’ then go ahead. Three questions deal with people entering the priesthood, the convent or attaining a high church office. Understandable for a Catholic country like France, but unless the person you’re inquiring about is Catholic, those questions are moot. Still, you could reinterpret the question ‘will he be of The Church’ as ‘will he enter the ministry’ and get a serviceable answer.