Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · Bilingual Edition
Nine Books on the Nature of Things
A fresh translation from the early Latin text with annotations and study apparatus
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English Page · Branch 352 of 642
Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 21
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 235
Latin
Sicut autem audivistis in brevi summa aliquot transmutationes metallorum: ita porro sciatis de transmutationibus Gemmarum, quae quidem etiam variae sunt & neutiquam similes. Videtis enim quanta transmutatio gemmarum in oleo sulphuris lateat. Quilibet enim crystallus in eo tingi & transmutari potest, & cum tempore distinctis coloribus graduari, ut Hyacintho Granato, vel Rubino similis fiat.
English
Having heard a brief account of several metallic transmutations, learn now about the transmutations of gems, which are also varied and by no means alike. See how great a transmutation of gems lies hidden in oil of sulphur. Any crystal can be tinged and transmuted in it and, with time, graduated into distinct colours so that it resembles a hyacinth, garnet or ruby.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 7 · Transmutations · Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 21
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The complete supplied Latin–English edition of the historical title, dedication and all nine books, with 363 separately labelled historical marginal notes, 117 modern annotations and the complete Diotimos study apparatus. The transmitted composite work is traditionally attributed to Paracelsus; individual authorship remains qualified.
Historical Text and Translation
The normalized Latin follows the complete 1605 Frankfurt Palthenian witness, volume six, printed pages 198–271, in SUB Göttingen PPN578052199, historical scans 182–255. Earlier textual tradition is German; the individual translator of the 1605 Latin text is not identified. The dedication’s 1537 date is transmitted text, not an established date for the composite work.
About Diotimos Editions
This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.
Rights
The historical Latin text is in the public domain. The fresh English translation and editorial material were prepared with AI assistance for Diotimos Editions in 2026 and are published with the site owner’s authorization.