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 508 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 26
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 255
Latin
Magni notant avarum, voracem, maxime si extra caput promineant. Oculi assidue nictantes, indicant visum debilem, & hominem timidum & sollicitum: oculi, qui velocius huc illuc moventur ad aspectum hominum, indicant cor amatorium, prudens, & expeditae inventionis. Oculi assidue deiecti indicant hominem verecundum & modestum. Oculi rubei hominem audacem, fortem, &c. Lucentes oculi, nec facile mobiles, indicant Heroem, magnanimum, fortem, alacrem, hostibus suis formidolosum, &c.
English
Large eyes signify someone greedy and gluttonous, especially if they protrude from the head. Continually blinking eyes indicate weak sight and a timid, anxious person. Eyes which move quickly here and there at the sight of people indicate an amorous heart, prudence and ready invention. Continually downcast eyes indicate a bashful, modest person. Red eyes signify someone bold and brave. Shining eyes which do not move readily indicate a hero, magnanimous, brave, lively and formidable to his enemies.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 26
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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.