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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Latin Page · Branch 473 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 11
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 250
Latin
Multi homines monstrosis signis deformes in lucem eduntur. Sic alius digito uno abundat, alter uno deficit, idque vel in manibus, vel pedibus. Nonnullis digiti omnes in utero matris connascuntur. Alius distortum pedem, brachium, collum, &c. secum ex utero fert: alius luxatum dorsum seu gibbum. Sic etiam nascuntur Hermaphroditae, Androgyni, homines scilicet, utroque pudendo, tam virili quam foemineo dotati, aut etiam utroque privati. Monstrosorum huiusmodi signorum multa tam in masculis quam in foemellis notavi, quae universa pro monstrosis signis arcanorum malorum Ascendentium habenda sunt. Unde etiam proverbium id invaluit: Quo distortior, eo nequior: Clauda membra, clauda opera. Ea enim signa vitiorum sunt, raro aliquid boni notantia.
English
Many people are born deformed by monstrous signs. One has an extra finger or toe, another lacks one. In some, all the digits grow together in the mother’s womb. Another brings from the womb a twisted foot, arm or neck; another a dislocated back or hump. So too are born hermaphrodites or androgynes, that is, people endowed with both male and female genitals, or deprived of both. I have observed many monstrous signs of this kind in males and females; all are to be considered monstrous signs of hidden evil ascendants. Hence the familiar proverb: “The more twisted, the more wicked; lame limbs, lame deeds.” For these are signs of vices, rarely indicating anything good.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 11
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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.