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Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · Bilingual Edition

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 · English

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The 245 Canons · English

Latin

Fermentum autem illud est spiritus viuificus à superioribus naturis in has inferiores defluens, sine quo terra iterum inanis & vacua fieret; est enim vitae semen, sine quo neque homo, neque vllum animal, neque vegetabile aliquod generationis aut vitae beneficio potiretur: neque enim solo pane viuit homo, sed maximè cibo illo caelesti, aëre scilicet spiritu huiusmodi afflato & fermentato.

English

That ferment is a life-giving spirit flowing down from higher natures into these lower ones, without which earth would again become empty and void. It is the seed of life, without which neither the human being, nor any animal, nor any plant would enjoy the benefit of generation or life. For the human being does not live by bread alone, but chiefly by that heavenly food: air breathed upon and fermented by a spirit of this kind.

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.