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 354 of 642
Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 22
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 235
Latin
Similiter sciatis de Magnete, qui in decuplam potentiam & virtutem transmutari potest, nempe hoc modo: Recipe Magnetem, & in carbonibus candefac, ita quidem, ut calescat valde, sed tamen non sit ignitus, quem statim in oleo croci martis, qui ex optimo Carinthio chalybe sit factus, extingue, ut imbibat quantum capere possit. Ita magnetem tam efficacem reddes, ut per eum clavos ex pariete evellas, & similia mirabilia operari queas, quae alius communis Magnes nunquam facere potest.
English
Likewise the magnet can be transmuted to tenfold power and virtue. Heat a magnet in charcoal until very hot, yet without making it glowing; immediately quench it in oil of crocus of Mars made from the best Carinthian steel, so that it absorbs as much as it can. You will make it so effective that you can pull nails from a wall with it and perform similar marvels which an ordinary magnet can never accomplish.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 7 · Transmutations · Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 22
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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.