Æthnici

Spirits celestial influences and signs · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. Fire-associated spirits described through visible forms and a mountain habitat.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 2; facsimile PDF page 330.

Historical Definition

Æthnici are fiery spirits, or spiritual people burning in fire, who appear in diverse forms and shapes, such as flames, firebrands and round balls of coals, especially in sulphurous mountains.

Meaning

The definition presents an account of appearances: flames, brands and glowing round forms are understood as manifestations of spirits or spiritual people. The phrase “especially in sulphurous mountains” locates these appearances within the same combustible landscape described under Æthna. It does not make the two entries identical: one names subterranean fire, the other the beings said to appear in it.

Notice also that the forms are multiple. A reader should not expect a single standard image or bodily shape. The entry belongs to the dictionary’s historical account of inhabited nature, in which places, materials and spiritual agents can be described together.

Places to Read

Æthna. An underground fire explained through sulphur, resin and bitumen.

Aerdadi. Air-dwelling spirits described as corporeal.

Salamandri. Spirits or fiery men associated with residence in fire.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 2; facsimile PDF page 330 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Æthnici ; compare Æthna, Aerdadi, Salamandri

See also. Æthna; Aerdadi; Salamandri