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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 DictionaryFido

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English Edition · Branch 115 of 740

Fido

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 115

Fido

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A name chiefly glossed as Quicksilver, with gold as another use.

In the book. Fida is the near-spelling counterpart: silver, sometimes gold.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 22; facsimile PDF page 350.

Historical Definition

Fido is called Quicksilver, and sometimes gold.

Meaning

The entry permits two material identifications and leaves the conditions of usage unstated. Quicksilver comes first; gold is an occasional meaning. Preserve that order without treating it as a rule that excludes the second possibility.

Use in the Book

Fida is the near-spelling counterpart: silver, sometimes gold. Discus solis instead gives a relationship, Quicksilver made from gold. The three entries consequently offer different kinds of information: alternative meanings and an attributed origin. A reader should not turn those relationships into one identity merely because the same metal names recur.

Places to Read

Discus solis. Quicksilver described through a claimed origin in gold.

Fida. A metal name with two stated identifications.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 22; facsimile PDF page 350 — Facsimile

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

See also. Discus solis; Fida

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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.