Diotimos Library · Renaissance Collection · Bilingual Edition
Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum
The 1599 German text with a new English translation, introduction, glossary, and notes.
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Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum · Printed Page 99
Early New High German
p. 99NIVERSalis glorificatus, ELIxeir illud Magnum Philosophorum CATHOLICVM, (So / respectu LAPIdum Argentificorum vel Aurificorum specialium sine† specificatorum / billich LApis Philosophorum MAGNVS, der Grosse STEJn der Philosophen / jene aber Parui oder kleine / billig vnd recht genennet wird vnd werden) auch CATHOLJSCHER Kreffte / Tugenden vnnd Wirckungen / dessen ( tanquam MEDIcinae verè CATHOLICæ) Operationes Diuinæ atq; mirificæ sich auch VNIVERSaliter erstrecken / so wol auff Vegetabilia, Animalia, Lapides, Gemmas, vnd Mineralia; dieselben zu Renouiren, zu jhrer Virtutum ac Operationum ESSE (so hoch sie nur von NATVR, durch Kunsthülffe immer müglich zubringen sein) zu Exaltiren; Item / Instau-
Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum: Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum
p. 99-NIVERSAL glorified STONE of the Philosophers, that Great CATHOLIC ELIXIR of the Philosophers — which, in respect of the special or specified Silver-making and Gold-making STONES, is rightly called LApis Philosophorum MAGNVS, the Great STONE of the Philosophers, while those are rightly and properly called Parui or the little ones — of CATHOLIC Powers, Virtues and Workings also; whose Divine and wonder-working Operations (as of a truly CATHOLIC MEDICINE) extend themselves likewise VNIVERSALLY, as well upon Vegetables, Animals, Stones, Gems and Minerals — to Renew them, to Exalt them to the BEING of their Virtues and Operations (so high as they can ever be brought by NATVRE through the help of Art); as also to Re-
Socrates
Reading Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum · Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum · Printed Page 99
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Socrates will begin with this book and its sources.About This Reading Edition
Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum argues that alchemy has one universal subject, that this subject cannot be extracted from the metals, and that nothing in the work can begin without recognizing it. This complete reader begins with the supplied seven-part introduction and orientation, then presents every printed page of the 1599 German treatise opposite its new English translation.
Historical Text and Translation
The German reading text is a fresh diplomatic transcription from 600 dpi images of the Magdeburg copy printed by Johann Bötcher in 1599. It preserves Khunrath’s capitalization, word division, authorial marginal keys, glosses, errata, and three unnumbered closing pages: the errata leaf, owl emblem, and colophon.
About Diotimos Editions
Diotimos Editions prepared the new English translation, introduction, notes, glossary, collation, and editorial apparatus. The translation follows Khunrath directly, retaining his technical vocabulary, changes of register, repetitions, rhetorical questions, and distinctions between German, Latin, and coined terms.
Rights
Heinrich Khunrath’s 1599 German work is in the public domain. The 2026 English translation, introduction, notes, glossary, editorial arrangement, and related matter are original to this edition and remain © 2026 Diotimos.