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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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English Edition · Branch 132 of 740

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 132

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Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. Copper identified after treatment that gives it a gold-like colour.

In the book. Melibæum gives copper without this qualification.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 29; facsimile PDF page 357.

Historical Definition

Lato is copper given a golden colour with lapis calaminaris.

Meaning

The definition retains copper as its subject. What changes is its colour, through the named lapis calaminaris. A golden appearance is therefore not presented as proof that the material has become gold. The means named and the effect reported must both remain in the reading.

Use in the Book

Melibæum gives copper without this qualification. Comparing the two entries distinguishes the underlying metal-name from a name that incorporates a stated treatment and appearance.

Places to Read

Melibæum. An alternative name for copper.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 29; facsimile PDF page 357 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 357, Lato

See also. Melibæum

132

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.