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Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · Parallel Edition

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

Lumen de Lumine

A New Magical Light · The Complete 1651 First Edition

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Lumen de LumineTo the University of Oxford · Original

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Original English Page · Branch 10 of 200

To the University of Oxford · Original

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Original English

To my Deare mother, the most famous Universitie of Oxford.

I HAVE observ’d (most deare Mother) and that in most of thy Sons, a Complexion of Fame, and Ingratitude. Learning indeed they have, but they forget the Brests that gave it. Thy Good works meet not with one Samaritan, but Many hast thou cur’d of the Leprosie of Ignorance. This is the spot, that soyls our perfections: we have all drunk of thy Fountaine, but we sacrifice not the Water to the Well. For my own part, I can present thee with nothing that’s Voluminous, but here is a Mustard-seed, which may grow to be the Greatest amongst Herbs.

Modern English

To my dear mother, the most famous University of Oxford.

I have observed, most dear Mother, in most of your sons, a mixture of fame and ingratitude. They have learning, certainly, but forget the breasts that nourished it. Your good works find not a single grateful Samaritan, although you have cured many of the leprosy of ignorance. This is the stain that spoils our accomplishments: we have all drunk from your fountain, yet we offer none of the water back to the well. For my part, I can present you with no large volume, but here is a mustard seed that may grow to be the greatest among herbs.

About This Reading Edition

The complete 1651 Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magical Light, by Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), with original and modern English, fresh translations of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew passages, the historical emblem and its inscriptions, all twelve Magical Aphorisms, 105 annotations and the complete supplied Diotimos study apparatus.

Historical Text and Translation

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magicall Light. London: H. Blunden, 1651. Governing witness: Wellcome Collection EPB/A/69096.4, digitisation b30340160, Wing V150, ESTC R146. Source credit: Wellcome Collection; Public Domain Mark.

About Diotimos Editions

This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.

Rights

The historical text and emblem are public domain. The supplied 2026 reading, translations and Diotimos editorial material are published with the site owner’s authorization.