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 494 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 22
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 254
Latin
Ceterum, ut ad propositum nostrum de Physionomicis signis hominum revertamur, sciendum est, ea duplicia esse, externa quidem specie similia, sed tamen viribus & effectu dissimilia. Alia sunt ex supernis astris coeli: alia ex infernis astris Microcosmi. Quicquid astrum superius signat secundum generationem usque ad aetatem mediam: id signatum est praedestinatum, peculiaribus viribus minime carens. Testatur enim de Natura & conditione hominis. Quicquid autem inferius Astrum Microcosmi a Generatione signat, ortum suum habet a patre & matre, quoties scilicet mater Imaginatione sua, aut Appetitu, timoreve aut terrore per contactum, foetum suum in corpore signis supernaturalibus, quae notae maternae seu uterinae vocantur, affecit, de quibus cum antea nobis dictum sit, iam iterationis labori merito supersedemus, cum nostri instituti sit saltem de signatis physionomicis tradere, ubi praedestinata saltem signata astri superioris proponemus, sub quibus intelligimus signata hominum illa, quae neque pater, neque mater eadem similitudine in corpore suo gestarunt. Huius classis sunt, nigri, caesii, parvi, magnive oculi, longus, curvus & acutus nasus, foveae in malis, maxilla surrecta, simus aut latus nasus, graciles vel vastae aures, promissum collum, oblonga facies, patens ac deductum os, crassi, subtiles, multi seu densi, rari nigri, flavi, rubri capilli, &c. Horum signorum si unum plurave in homine apparent, ea suis indiciis minime carere sciendum est. Opus tamen est, ut secundum scientiam Physionomicam ea consideretis, & certam artis signatae peritiam habeatis, qua per externa signa internum hominem cognoscere possitis.
English
Returning to our purpose concerning human physiognomic signs, know that they are twofold, similar in outward appearance but different in powers and effect. Some come from the upper stars of heaven, others from the lower stars of the microcosm. Whatever the upper star marks according to generation up to middle age is a predestined sign, possessing its own particular powers, for it testifies to the person’s nature and condition. Whatever the lower star of the microcosm marks from generation has its origin in father and mother, whenever the mother by imagination, desire, fear or terror, through contact, has affected the body of her offspring with supernatural signs called maternal or uterine marks. We have discussed these already and can rightly avoid the labour of repetition. Our purpose is only to teach physiognomic signs, presenting the predestined signs of the upper star alone. By these we mean those human signs which neither father nor mother bore in the same form on their own body: black, grey-blue, small or large eyes; a long, curved or pointed nose; dimples in the cheeks; a raised jaw; a snub or broad nose; slender or large ears; a long neck; an elongated face; a wide, stretched mouth; thick, fine, abundant or dense, sparse, black, blond or red hair. If one or more of these signs appears in a person, know that they are not without their indications. You must, however, consider them according to the science of physiognomy and possess sure skill in the art of signs, through which you can know the inward person from outward signs.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · 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.