The Secret Work of the Hermetic Philosophy

Name: The Secret Work of the Hermetic Philosophy
Author: Attributed to Jean d’Espagnet

A Fresh English Translation from the Complete 1623 Latin Arcanum

Explore the Lexicon

The Secret Work of the Hermetic PhilosophyThe 138 Canons · Latin

Swipe or use the arrow keys.

Latin Page · Branch 23 of 244

The 138 Canons · Latin

Book Mode

Latin

Studiosus tyro ingenio perspicax, animo constans, philosophiae studio flagrans, Physicae admodum peritus, corde purus, moribus integer, Deo plurimum addictus, licèt Chimicae praxeos ignarus, regiam Naturae viam confidenter ingrediatur, candidiorum philosophorum libros revolvat, congerronem ingeniosum & studiosum sibi quaerat, & voto potiri non desperet.

English

Let the eager beginner who is penetrating in intelligence, steadfast in mind, ardent in the study of philosophy, well versed in natural philosophy, pure in heart, upright in conduct, and deeply devoted to God confidently enter nature's royal road, even if he knows nothing of chemical practice. Let him turn the pages of the more candid philosophers, seek an intelligent and studious companion, and not despair of attaining his wish.

About This Reading Edition

The complete anonymous 1623 Arcanum, conventionally attributed to Jean d’Espagnet, with Latin and a fresh English translation, 138 canons, original marginalia and errata, 88 modern annotations, separately identified historical reception documents, and the complete supplied Diotimos study apparatus.

Historical Text and Translation

Anonymous, Arcanum hermeticæ philosophiæ opus. Paris: Nicolas Buon, 1623. Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon copy, digitised by Google Books, uJNr_M9LDGgC. Conventionally attributed to Jean d’Espagnet; the original title page is anonymous.

About Diotimos Editions

This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.

Rights

Historical texts are public-domain works. The supplied 2026 fresh English translation, Latin reading transcription and Diotimos editorial material are published with the site owner’s authorization. The historical Signifer is credited to the Getty Research Institute copy and Internet Archive.