Astrum ex igne

Elements principles and the natural world · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A fire described through burning and strong impression.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 8; facsimile PDF page 336.

Historical Definition

Astrum ex igne is a burning fire of great impression.

Meaning

The definition identifies this qualified Astrum with an active fire and emphasizes the magnitude of its impression or effect. It gives no apparatus or fuel. The phrase should therefore be read through the activity and force attributed to it in the surrounding passage, rather than automatically treated as an astronomical object.

Compare the general Astrum entry, where preparation gives things a greater power. The qualification ex igne changes the expression’s focus to fire. Its brief gloss should remain distinct from the several prepared substances used as examples under Astrum.

Places to Read

Astrum. A “star” understood as a material’s enhanced power through preparation.

Impressiones. Effects in lower subjects described as fruits of stars.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 8; facsimile PDF page 336 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Astrum ex igne ; compare Astrum, Impressiones

See also. Astrum; Impressiones