A Chymical Dictionary

Seraphin

Spirits celestial influences and signs · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A heavenly power and, particularly, the assembly of angels.

In the book. Virtue here means a power or efficacy.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 42; facsimile PDF page 370.

Historical Definition

Seraphin is an unutterable virtue, an infinite power of heaven, and especially the assembly of angels.

Meaning

The entry moves from an inexpressible virtue to an infinite heavenly power and then to an assembly of angels. Especially marks the final identification as a more particular application. The wording therefore contains a range rather than one material equivalent.

Use in the Book

Virtue here means a power or efficacy. The theological register differs from the more concrete material action of a salt or furnace, although the same broad vocabulary of effective power appears across the dictionary.

Cherubin supplies a useful comparison: it is described as a celestial virtue and influence proceeding from God and descending to earth and people. Both entries speak of heavenly power, but Seraphin particularly names the assembly of angels.

Places to Read

Spiritus Animalis. A power of the soul described through likeness to the heavens.

Truphat. A hidden mineral power understood through its appointed end.

Cherubin. A divine celestial influence described through descent and superior power.

In This Edition

The original form is retained without deciding that every use refers to a chemical preparation or a human mental faculty.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 42; facsimile PDF page 370 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Seraphin; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 370; compare Spiritus Animalis, Truphat, Cherubin

See also. Spiritus Animalis; Truphat; Cherubin