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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 84 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin

Duo itaque tantùm ab initio simplicia Naturae principia, quibus caetera omnia posteriora, nulla anteriora fuere, materia prima scilicet, & sua forma universalis, ex quorum copulâ orta sunt Elementa, tanquam secunda principia, quae nihil aliud sunt, quàm materia prima diversimodè informata, ex quorum mixtione materia secunda conflatur, quae proximè accidentibus subest, generationis & corruptionis vices patitur: Hi sunt gradus, hic ordo principiorum Naturae.

English

There were therefore only two simple principles of nature in the beginning, with everything else later than them and nothing earlier: first matter and its universal form. From their coupling arose the elements as secondary principles, which are nothing other than first matter variously formed. From their mixture second matter is compounded, the immediate subject of accidents, undergoing the alternations of generation and corruption. These are the degrees and this the order of nature's principles.

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.