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Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · English Edition

Gerhard Dorn and John French

A Chymical Dictionary

An Expanded Diotimos Lexicon of Paracelsian and Alchemical Language

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A Chymical DictionaryIdiotæ

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English Edition · Branch 349 of 740

Idiotæ

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 349

Idiotæ

Operations instruments and practitioners · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A polemical name for those who reject true arts while practising false ones.

In the book. Sophistæ likewise allows both masters of an art and deceivers as uses of a term.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 26; facsimile PDF page 354.

Historical Definition

Idiotæ are people who despise true arts, although they are skilled practitioners of false ones.

Meaning

The entry judges a relation to arts rather than measuring a person’s intellectual capacity. Its contrast is between despising what the compiler calls true and skilfully professing what the compiler calls false. The concession of skill is part of the point.

Use in the Book

Sophistæ likewise allows both masters of an art and deceivers as uses of a term. Magia distinguishes lawful natural wisdom from an unlawful kind. These comparisons show that the dictionary preserves evaluative vocabulary as well as material names. Its judgements should be recognised as historical classifications.

Places to Read

Magia. Magic divided into lawful natural wisdom and forbidden knowledge through evil spirits.

Sophistæ. A name that can praise expertise or condemn deception.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 26; facsimile PDF page 354 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary 1650, s.v. Idiotæ

See also. Magia; Sophistæ

349

About This Reading Edition

The complete 706 historical definitions of the 1650 English dictionary, modernised and accompanied by expanded Diotimos commentary, reading routes, 15 textual notes and complete linked indexes.

Historical Text

A Chymicall Dictionary, London 1650, English version associated with John French, based on Gerhard Dorn’s Dictionarium Theophrasti Paracelsi. The containing volume also prints Sendivogius and Paracelsus; neither neighboring work changes this dictionary’s attribution.

About This Edition

Complete 706 definition paragraphs with new introduction, commentary, reading guides and indexes; Diotimos Editions, 2026.

Rights

The historical 1650 English text is in the public domain. New introduction, commentary, reading guides and indexes are © 2026 Diotimos Editions and published with the site owner’s authorization.