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 583 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 54
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 265
Latin
Quantum autem ad vera illorum signa attinet, scire vos velim, tincturam nostram rubram, quae in se Astra auri continet, esse substantiae supra omnem constantiam fixae, penetrationis expeditissimae, summaeque rubedinis, pulvere quidem croci, integro vero corpore Rubini colorem referente, tincturam inquam esse resinae instar fluxilem, & instar crystalli pellucidam, vitri instar fragilem, pondere vero gravissimam. Tinctura autem alba, quae Astra Lunae continet, eodem modo est substantiae fixae, incrementi immutabilis, summi candoris, resinae instar fluida, pellucida ut crystallus, ut vitrum fragilis, pondere cum Adamante conveniens. Praeterea Astrum cupri coloris citrini summi est, simile smaragdo, ut resina fluxile, suo autem metallo multo gravius. Astrum stanni albissimum ut resina est, subobscurum, luteo colore perfusum. Astrum Ferri rubedinis insignis est, Granati instar pellucidum, ut Resina fluxile, fragile ut vitrum, substantiae fixae, suo metallo multo ponderosius. Astrum plumbi cobalti instar, nigrum, transparens tamen, resinae modo fluidum, fragile instar vitri, pondere auro aequale, plumbo alio gravius. Astrum Argenti vivi insigniter candidi & coruscantis coloris est, simile nivi in summo frigore, valde subtilis, penetrantis, & corrosivae acrimoniae, crystalli specie pellucidum, facile ut resina diffluens, summi ad tactum frigoris, interius autem summi caloris, quasi ignei, insuper volatile, & in igne substantiae admodum fugacis.
English
As for their true signs, I wish you to know that our red tincture, which contains the stars of gold, is a substance fixed beyond every steadfastness, penetrating with the greatest readiness and intensely red. In powder it resembles saffron in colour, but as a whole body it resembles a ruby. It melts like resin, is transparent like crystal, brittle like glass and very heavy. The white tincture, containing the stars of the Moon, is likewise a fixed substance, unchangeable in increase, intensely white, fluid like resin, transparent like crystal and brittle like glass, corresponding in weight to diamond. The star of copper is intensely citron-coloured, like emerald, melting like resin yet much heavier than its metal. The star of tin is very white like resin, somewhat opaque and tinged with yellow. The star of iron is remarkably red, transparent like garnet, melting like resin, brittle like glass, of a fixed substance and much heavier than its metal. The star of lead is black like cobalt, yet transparent, fluid like resin, brittle like glass, equal in weight to gold and heavier than other lead. The star of quicksilver is brilliantly white and flashing, like snow in extreme cold, of a very subtle, penetrating and corrosive sharpness, transparent like crystal, readily flowing like resin, extremely cold to touch yet inwardly intensely hot, as though fiery; it is also volatile and of a very fugitive substance in fire.
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Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 54
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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.