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 417 of 642
Book 8 · Separation · Passage 20
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 240
Latin
Volatica & fugacia metalla, velut Aurum & argentum, si a mineris separanda, sunt quoniam nec in igne, nec in Aquis fortibus contineri & domari queunt, per Mercurium vivum Amalgamari, separari & extrahi debent. Mercurius autem vivus postea per gradum destillationis, a metalli, auri argentive calce abstrahendus & separandus est.
English
Volatile and fugitive metals, such as gold and silver, when they are to be separated from ores and cannot be held and subdued either in fire or in strong waters, must be amalgamated, separated and extracted by quicksilver. Afterwards the quicksilver must be drawn off and separated by distillation from the calx of the metal, gold or silver.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 8 · Separation · Book 8 · Separation · Passage 20
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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.