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Attributed to Jean d’Espagnet

The Summary of Physics Restored

A Fresh English Translation from the Complete 1653 Latin Enchiridion

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The Summary of Physics RestoredThe 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin Page · Branch 165 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin

Ex illis quatuor rotis duae, humidi scilicet & sicci, materiae magis conueniunt, quia inter hos duos terminos Natura materiam versat, & vices suas peragit: binae illae qualitates materiae proximiores sunt, quia passioni, & mutationi magis subiacent; caeterae autem duae, calidi & frigidi scilicet, magis sunt actiuae, quia per vices suas priores illas alterant, & immutant; patiuntur illae, istae magis agunt; & sunt velut actiua Naturae instrumenta passibilem materiam tractantis.

English

Of those four wheels, two—moisture and dryness—belong more closely to matter, because Nature turns matter between these two limits and accomplishes her successive changes. These two qualities are closer to matter because they are more subject to being acted upon and changed. The other two, heat and cold, are more active, because in their turns they alter and transform the former pair. The former undergo action; the latter act more, and are like the active instruments with which Nature handles matter capable of being acted upon.

About This Reading Edition

The complete 1653 Enchiridion physicae restitutae, conventionally attributed to Jean d’Espagnet, with Latin and a fresh English translation, all 245 canons, the title and maxim, address to students, epigram, original marginalia, 140 modern annotations and the complete supplied Diotimos study apparatus.

Historical Text and Translation

Anonymous, Enchiridion physicae restitutae. Geneva: Jean-Antoine and Samuel de Tournes, 1653. ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Rar 4790; digitised by e-rara, doi:10.3931/e-rara-21407. 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

The historical Latin text is a public-domain work. The supplied 2026 fresh English translation, readable Latin transcription and Diotimos editorial material are published with the site owner’s authorization.