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Heinrich Khunrath

Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum

The 1599 German text with a new English translation, introduction, glossary, and notes.

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Early New High German Page · Branch 145 of 215

Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum · Printed Page 138

Early New High German

p. 138

vnd Triumphiren vor allen andern; Sintemal auch die Rechtsgelehrten vernünfftig dahin schliessen / quòd vna ratio fortior vincat plures alias, minus fortes. Nedum plures vincerent. Dieweil Ich auch noch kein ander ding in rerum Natura funden habe / oder finde / das / in allen circumstantijs vnd durchaus / also Qualificiret, Conditioniret vnd Naturet were / wie die Chymische Philosophi von jres LAPIDIS SVBIECTO lehren / als numehr offt angedeutete meine MAGNESIAM: Item, in welchem die wunderbare HARMONIA analogica mit dem Rechten vnd allein Seligmachenden IHSVH CHRISTO, GOTTEs vnd der Jungfrawen MARIAE SOHN / deme mit Hertzen / Glauben vnnd Leben ALLEIN anzuhangen / & contra &c. dermassen herfür leuch-

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Heinrich Khunrath’s Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum: Magnesia Catholica Philosophorum

p. 138

and Triumph before all others; inasmuch as the Jurists also reasonably conclude, that one stronger reason overcomes several others that are less strong. Much less would the greater number prevail. Since I too have found, or find, no other thing in the nature of things which in all circumstances and throughout were so Qualified, Conditioned and Natured as the Chymical Philosophers teach of the SVBIECTVM of their LAPIS, as is my MAGNESIA, so often now intimated; Likewise, in which the wonderful HARMONIA analogica with the Right and only Saving IHSVH CHRISTVS, SON of GOD and of the Virgin MARY — to whom ALONE one is to cleave with Heart, Faith and Life, and conversely, etc. — so shines forth

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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.