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 480 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 16
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 251
Latin
Signa Physionomiae ex Astris superioribus suum ortum consequuntur. Scientia haec Physionomiae a maioribus nostris & comprimis ab Ethnicis, Tartaris, Turcis &c. aliisque populis, apud quos homines ad servitia vendi moris est, summo loco habita fuit, & nec apud Christianos penitus exstincta est. Cum ipsa tamen multi quoque errores una irrepserunt, hactenus a nemine animadversi, dum quilibet bardus & rudis indiscrete de quolibet iudicandi licentiam sibi sumsit. Ubi admiratione dignum est, errores illos, ex operibus, factis, viribusque hominum nunquam animadversos esse.
English
The signs of physiognomy derive their origin from the upper stars. This science of physiognomy was held in the highest esteem by our ancestors, especially by pagans, Tartars, Turks and other peoples among whom it is customary to sell people into slavery; nor has it entirely died out among Christians. Many errors, however, have crept in with it, unnoticed hitherto, since every fool and ignorant person has assumed the licence to judge everyone indiscriminately. It is remarkable that those errors have never been detected from people’s works, deeds and powers.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 16
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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.