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Original English Page · Branch 114 of 200
The First Matter · Original
Original English
To conclude: Remember that our subject is no common water, but a thick, slimie, fat earth. This earth must be dissolved into water, and that water must be coagulated again into earth. This is done by a certaine Naturall Agent, which the Philosophers call their secret fire: for if you work with common fire, it will drie your Sperm, and bring it to an unprofitable red Dust, of the Colour of wild poppie. Their fire then is the Key of the Art, for it is a Naturall Agent, but acts not Naturally without the Sun. I must confesse it is a knottie Mysterie, but we shall make it plaine, if you be not very Dim and Dull. It requires indeed a quick, clear Apprehension, and therefore Readers, Snuffe your Candles.
Modern English
To conclude, remember that our subject is no common water, but a thick, slimy, fatty earth. This earth must be dissolved into water, and that water coagulated back into earth. A certain natural agent does this, which the philosophers call their secret fire. If you work with common fire, it will dry your seed and reduce it to a useless red dust, the colour of a wild poppy. Their fire, then, is the art’s key: it is a natural agent, yet does not act naturally without the sun. I confess this is a knotty mystery, but we will make it plain, provided you are not very dim and dull. It calls for quick, clear apprehension; therefore, readers, trim your candles.
Socrates
Reading Lumen de Lumine · The First Matter · Page 57 · Passage A
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Socrates will begin with this book and its sources.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.
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This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.
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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.
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