Anima

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A designation of “our Mercury” through the language of soul.

In the book. Arcanum offers another way the dictionary describes hidden powers within natural things.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 4; facsimile PDF page 332.

Historical Definition

Anima is our Mercury.

Meaning

The possessive is a significant reading clue. “Our Mercury” identifies the term within the speaking author’s practice or philosophical account; it does not explain which Mercury every reader should supply. The entry therefore gives a relationship between names while leaving its material specification dependent on the passage. It would be too strong to replace Anima universally with common quicksilver.

The contrast with Anima Saturni is instructive. There, the dictionary ties the soul vocabulary to the sweetness of lead. A general name and a substance-qualified name can have related but distinct explanations. Retain the qualification whenever it appears.

Use in the Book

Arcanum offers another way the dictionary describes hidden powers within natural things. That comparison can help readers follow a philosophical discussion without treating soul, hidden virtue and Mercury as exact synonyms in every text.

Places to Read

Anima Saturni. The “soul of Saturn” identified with lead’s sweetness.

Arcanum. A hidden virtue in natural things, capable in this account of enhancement through art.

Mercurius Crudus. Mercury described before separation from its mineral source.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 4; facsimile PDF page 332 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Anima ; compare Anima Saturni, Arcanum, Mercurius Crudus

See also. Anima Saturni; Arcanum; Mercurius Crudus