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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 DictionaryAmianthus

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English Edition · Branch 63 of 740

Amianthus

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 63

Amianthus

Metals minerals and metallic preparations · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. A fire-resistant stone described by comparison and by the name Salamander.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 3; facsimile PDF page 331.

Historical Definition

Amianthus is a stone like Alumen plumosum in nature and condition. It is not burnt in fire, and is therefore also called the Salamander.

Meaning

The entry gives two means of recognition: resemblance to Alumen plumosum and resistance to burning. The name Salamander is explained through the latter property. It is therefore a material use of a name that elsewhere can belong to fire-associated beings. The stated reason for the name is more secure here than any assumption that the passage concerns an animal or spirit.

The author’s claim of resistance to fire should be read as part of the historical description. The entry does not supply a mineral analysis or distinguish every material historically included under the name. This edition preserves that limit rather than converting the equation into a modern specimen identification.

Places to Read

Salamandri. Spirits or fiery men associated with residence in fire.

Æthnici. Fire-associated spirits described through visible forms and a mountain habitat.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 3; facsimile PDF page 331 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Amianthus ; compare Salamandri, Æthnici

See also. Salamandri; Æthnici

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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.