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 559 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 47
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 262
Latin
Notandum autem est, fieri etiam interdum, ut Archeus terrae per occultum cuniculum ex terra inferiore metallum quoddam protrudat acervatim. Id signum apparens bonum est. Fossoribus ergo desistendum non est, cum certa ibi insignis metalli latentis spes sit. Quod si insuper etiam tenuia folia ex metallis, Talco similia, lapidibus aut saxis adhaerescant, signum id fidele & probum est.
English
Observe also that the Archaeus of the earth sometimes thrusts a metal in heaps from the lower earth through a hidden passage. This visible sign is good. Miners should therefore not desist, since there is sure hope of notable metal hidden there. If thin metallic leaves resembling talc also adhere to stones or rocks, that is a trustworthy and good sign.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 47
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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.