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 584 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 55
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 265
Latin
Secundum descriptionem hanc cognoscenda vobis metallorum Astra sunt, & una intelligendum, ad utriusque tincturae, rubrae scilicet, & albae praeparationem initio non corpus Auri & Lunae, sed primum Ens Auri & Lunae assumi debere. Si enim in principio error committatur, de opera & labore omnia actum erit.
English
You must recognise the stars of metals according to this description and understand at the same time that preparing either tincture, red or white, requires taking at the beginning not the body of gold or the Moon but their first being. If an error is committed at the beginning, all the work and labour will be ruined.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 55
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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.