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 585 of 642
Book 9 · Signature · Passage 56
Source reference
- Latin witness
- 1605 p. 265
Latin
Sic praeterea de metallis etiam tenendum est, quod ipsorum quodlibet peculiare quoque in igne signum promat, ex quo cognoscatur. Huius generis sunt, scintillae, flammae, fulgur, coloris ignis, odor, sapor, &c. Sic in auri argentique super testa sive capella reverberatione genuinum signum est fulgur. Eo apparente, certum est, plumbum & cetera metalla accessoria per fumum secessisse, adeoque aurum & argentum plene expurgata esse, &c. Ferrum, quod in furno summe candefit, signa promit limpidas & pellucidas scintillas in sublime evolantes. Illis apparentibus, nisi ferrum continuo ex igne eximatur, straminis instar comburitur, &c.
English
Concerning metals, one must also hold that each discloses in fire a particular sign by which it is recognised. Such signs are sparks, flames, flashing, the colour of the fire, smell and taste. Thus in the reverberation of gold and silver on a test or cupel, the genuine sign is a flash. When it appears, it is certain that lead and the other accessory metals have departed in fumes and the gold and silver are fully purified. Iron heated intensely white in the furnace discloses clear, transparent sparks flying upwards as its signs. When these appear, unless the iron is immediately taken from the fire, it burns like straw.
Socrates
Reading Nine Books on the Nature of Things · Book 9 · Signature · Book 9 · Signature · Passage 56
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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.
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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.