Temperatum

Qualities powers and relations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A balanced condition without excess in a quality.

In the book. Qualitas lists the relevant pairs, hot or cold and dry or moist, according to an element’s predominance.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 44; facsimile PDF page 372.

Historical Definition

Temperatum is that which exceeds in no quality.

Meaning

The entry describes a relation among qualities. It does not mean that a thing lacks qualities; the distinguishing feature is absence of excess.

Use in the Book

Qualitas lists the relevant pairs, hot or cold and dry or moist, according to an element’s predominance. Read together, the definitions situate Temperatum within the compiler’s account of constitution and proportion.

Places to Read

Qualitas. The balance of hot, cold, dry and moist qualities.

In This Edition

Temperate or balanced can help an English reader, but the historical heading is retained. Its sense here is broader than a statement about moderate temperature alone.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 44; facsimile PDF page 372 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Temperatum; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 372; compare Qualitas

See also. Qualitas