The Summary of Physics Restored

Name: The Summary of Physics Restored
Author: Attributed to Jean d’Espagnet

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

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Latin

De antiquo illo rerum principio quid certi decernere in promptu non est; cùm illud in tenebris creatum nondum in lucem ingenii humani emerserit; quamobrem quaecunque de illo Theologorum, tum etiam Philosophorum turba censuit, talia sint, necne, solus Naturae author novit; quod verisimilius est, de obscuris dicenti venia debetur.

English

It is not easy to decide anything certain about that ancient principle of things, since, created in darkness, it has not yet emerged into the light of human understanding. Whatever the multitude of theologians and philosophers have judged about it, whether it is so or not, nature's author alone knows. One who speaks of obscure matters in terms of what is more probable deserves indulgence.

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.