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 423 of 642
Book 8 · Separation · Passage 25
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 242
Latin
Separatio autem abditi auri a quolibet metallo, fit per Gradum Extractionis in Aqua Regis. Huiusmodi namque aqua metallum nullum, quam solum aurum finum resolvere aggreditur, &c. Eadem Aqua Regis separat etiam aurum finum ab inauratis Clenodiis. Illa enim si his illinatur, aurum abstergit & distringit, &c.
English
Hidden gold is separated from any metal through the stage of extraction in aqua regis. For a water of this kind undertakes to dissolve no metal except refined gold alone. The same aqua regis also separates refined gold from gilded ornaments. If it is spread on them, it wipes off and strips away the gold.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 8 · Separation · Book 8 · Separation · Passage 25
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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.