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
Explore the LexiconSwipe or use the arrow keys.
Latin Page · Branch 464 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 4
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 248
Latin
Ut autem signa omnia quam rectissime et brevissime explicemus: ante omnia opus est, ut signa illa, quorum Homo ipse signator est proponamus. Illis intellectis cetera quoque tam naturalia quam supernaturalia rectius assequemini. Notum itaque est, Iudaeos signum flavum in pallio seu tunica circumferre. Hoc quid aliud est, quam id signum, ex quo quilibet obvius ipsum Iudaeum esse intelligat. Sic Lictor ex variegata tunica vel manica internoscitur. Sic magistratus quis suos ministros coloribus ac insignibus suis ornat. Mechanicus, opus suum peculiari signo designat, ut quilibet, quisnam opus fecerit, intelligat. Quo fine tabellarius sui domini aut civitatis insignia in pallio gestat, nisi ut ex illo pateat, quod nuncius sit, quod huic vel illi serviat, quod hinc vel illinc emigret, & sic transitum tutum impetret, &c.
English
To explain all signs as correctly and briefly as possible, we must first set out those of which the human being is himself the signator. Once these are understood, you will grasp the other signs, both natural and supernatural, more correctly. It is known that Jews carry a yellow sign on their cloak or tunic. What else is this but a sign by which anyone meeting a person knows him to be Jewish? So a beadle is recognised by a parti-coloured tunic or sleeve, and a magistrate adorns his officers with his own colours and insignia. A craftsman marks his work with a special sign so that anyone may know who made it. Why does a messenger wear the insignia of his lord or city on his cloak, unless to make clear that he is a messenger, whom he serves, where he comes from, and thus obtain safe passage?
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 4
Ask about a concept, passage, contradiction, or connection.
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.