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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Latin Page · Branch 524 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 30
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 256
Latin
Os magnum amplumque, hominem voracem, insipidum, fatuum, impudentem intrepidum, &c. Os parvum, contrarium indicat. Labra attracta, ubi superius inferiore maius est, hominem iracundum, bellicosum, animosum, plerunque tamen crassorum & impudicorum morum, instar porci, &c. Labra inferne magna, crassum, stultum, & bardum, &c.
English
A large, wide mouth indicates someone gluttonous, foolish, stupid, shameless and fearless; a small mouth indicates the opposite. Drawn-in lips, where the upper is larger than the lower, indicate someone irascible, warlike and spirited, yet generally of coarse and immodest habits like a pig. Large lower lips indicate someone gross, foolish and dull.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 30
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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.