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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Facing Pages · Branch 221 of 642
Book 5 · Death · Passage 16
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 221
Latin
Ut autem plumbum redigatur in flavedinem, fit praeparatio eius non absimilis praeparationi minii. Nam plumbum hic quoque sale calcinari, & in cinerem redigi debet, & postea continuo ferro agitari in lata patina probantium mineras, in mediocri igne carbonum, diligenter animadvertendo, ne nimium caloris sentiat, neve agitatio sit negligens, alias enim flueret & fieret vitrum flavum: atque ita habebis pulcrum flavum ex ♄.
English
To reduce lead to a yellow substance, prepare it much as minium is prepared. Here too the lead must be calcined with salt and reduced to ashes, then continually stirred with iron in a broad assay pan over a moderate charcoal fire. Take care not to expose it to excessive heat or neglect the stirring, for otherwise it would melt and become yellow glass. You will thus have a fine yellow from Lead.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 5 · Death · Book 5 · Death · Passage 16
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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.