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 86 of 642
Book 3 · Preservation · Passage 2
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 208
Latin
Quomodo autem & per quid quaelibet res praeservetur, & a damno custodiatur, sciendum est, multas res in terra conservari oportere, & praecipue omnes radices in terra longo tempore efficaces & incorruptae permanent: similiter & herbae & flores & omnes fructus in aqua incorrupti & virides manent: ita etiam multi alii fructus & poma in aqua conservari possunt, & praeservari ab omni putredine, donec nova nascantur poma.
English
As to how and by what means each thing is preserved and guarded from damage: many things must be preserved in earth, and especially all roots remain effective and uncorrupted in earth for a long time. Plants, flowers and all fruits likewise remain uncorrupted and green in water. Many other fruits and apples can also be kept in water and protected from all decay until new apples are born.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 3 · Preservation · Book 3 · Preservation · 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.