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.
Facing Pages · Branch 106 of 642
Book 3 · Preservation · Passage 9
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 211
Latin
Plumbum melius conservari non potest, quam in terra frigida & in loco humido, qualis est ipsius natura. In conservatione autem magnetis nihil est melius limatura ferri vel chalybis: nam nullius magnetis vis, si in hac ponatur, infirmatur, imo quotidie augetur in virtute sua.
English
Lead cannot be better preserved than in cold earth and a moist place, corresponding to its own nature. Nothing preserves a magnet better than filings of iron or steel. No magnet’s strength weakens if placed in them; rather, its virtue increases daily.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 3 · Preservation · Book 3 · Preservation · Passage 9
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.