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 475 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 13
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 250
Latin
Quodlibet horum infamium signorum peculiare vitium designat. Sic stigma in faciem mulieris, &c. inustum, aut aurium detruncatio plerunque furtum indicat. Digitorum detruncatio improbos aleatores: manus abscissio, violatores pacis: duorum digitorum amissio periuros: oculi elisio acuta & subtilia facinora tractantes: linguae praecisio, blasphemos, calumniatores, &c. designat. Sic etiam Mamaluccos, (quos vocant) seu Christianae religionis abnegatores ex cruce plantis pedum inusta dignoscere potestis, quod scilicet Christum Redemtorem suum abnegaverint.
English
Each of these infamous signs designates a particular vice. A brand burnt into a woman’s face, for example, or the cutting off of ears usually indicates theft. The cutting off of fingers marks dishonest gamblers; of a hand, breakers of the peace; the loss of two fingers, perjurers; the putting out of an eye, those who practise cunning and subtle crimes; and the cutting out of the tongue, blasphemers and slanderers. Likewise you can recognise those called Mamelukes, or renouncers of the Christian religion, by a cross branded on the soles of their feet, signifying that they have denied Christ their redeemer.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 13
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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.