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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English Page · Branch 359 of 642
Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 25
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 236
Latin
Simili fere modo & coralli fiunt ab his, qui homines, ut & cum dictis perlis, fallere student, nempe ita: Cinnabarim cum albumine ovorum in marmore tere per horam, postea ut terram figulinam sicca: denique finge inde pilulas vel ramulos, prout vis: postremo ad summum sicca, & ut perlas exterius albumine ovorum inunge, & iterum per se sicca. Ita fiunt coralli nativis in specie similes, sed non in virtute.
English
Corals are made in much the same way by those who seek to deceive people, as with the pearls just described. Grind cinnabar with egg white on marble for an hour, then dry it like potter’s clay. Form pills or little branches as desired, dry them thoroughly, anoint the outside with egg white as with the pearls and dry them again by themselves. Corals result which resemble native corals in appearance but not in virtue.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 7 · Transmutations · Book 7 · Transmutations · Passage 25
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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.