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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Latin Page · Branch 373 of 642
Book 8 · Separation · Passage 2
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 pp. 236–237
Latin
In mundi creatione prima Separatio a quatuor Elementis coepit, cum prima Materia Mundi esset unum Chaos. Ex Chao illo Deus condidit Maiorem Mundum, in quatuor discreta Elementa separatum, nempe in Ignem, Aerem, Aquam, Terram. Ignis pars erit calida: Aer, tantum frigida: Aqua humida: Terra denique pars tantum sicca Maioris mundi.
English
At the creation of the world, the first separation began with the four elements, when the first matter of the world was a single chaos. From that chaos God established the greater world, separated into four distinct elements: fire, air, water and earth. Fire will be the hot part; air the cold part alone; water the moist part; and earth, finally, the dry part alone of the greater world.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 8 · Separation · Book 8 · Separation · Passage 2
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Socrates will begin with this book and its sources.About This Reading Edition
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.