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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 LumineThe Descent, and Metempsychosis · Page 95 · Passage A

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The Descent, and Metempsychosis · Page 95 · Passage A

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Original English

Now for their Metempsychosis, it hath indeed occasion’d many Errors concerning the soule, but Pythagoras applied it only to the secret performances of Magic. It signifies their last Transmutation, which is done with the Elixir, or Qualified Medicine. Take therefore one part of it, cast it on a Millenarie proportion of Quick-silver, and it will be all pure gold, that shall passe the Test Royall without any Diminution.

Modern English

As for their metempsychosis, it has indeed caused many errors concerning the soul, but Pythagoras applied it only to magic’s secret operations. It signifies their last transmutation, accomplished with the elixir or tempered medicine. Take one part of it, then, cast it on a thousandfold proportion of quicksilver, and it will all become pure gold, passing the royal test without any diminution.

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.