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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 DictionaryBismutum

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English Edition · Branch 82 of 740

Bismutum

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 82

Bismutum

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A material classified by the dictionary among kinds of lead.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 11; facsimile PDF page 339.

Historical Definition

Bismutum is the lightest, whitest and basest kind of lead.

Meaning

The definition uses a comparison within the author’s metal classification. Lightness, whiteness and baseness distinguish the material from other members of that stated class. “Basest” is an evaluation, not a supplied measurement. Preserve the classification as historical evidence rather than silently treating it as a complete modern account of the material.

The dictionary also includes Wismodt, another name in this vocabulary. Cross-referencing it helps locate a passage whose spelling differs, but the text’s own descriptions should decide whether the material is being discussed in its natural or prepared condition.

Places to Read

Wismodt. Tin described as impure and resistant to working.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 11; facsimile PDF page 339 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Bismutum ; compare Wismodt

See also. Wismodt

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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.