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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 110 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin

Humidum Elementum Mercurius est, qui modò corporis, modò spiritus naturam induens superiorum & inferiorum virtutes suis revolutionibus in se trahit, & quasi eorum mandata suscipiens inter remotas universi naturas, velut earum actor & sponsor negotiatur ac commercium exercet; nec à nundinationibus suis temperabit, donec omnia naturae corruptibilis Elementa ab igne purgata & fixata sint, fiatque sabbatum universale.

English

The moist element is Mercury. Taking on now the nature of body, now of spirit, it draws into itself through its revolutions the powers of higher and lower things. As though receiving their commissions, it negotiates and conducts commerce between the distant natures of the universe as their agent and guarantor. Nor will it cease its trading until all the elements of corruptible nature have been purified and fixed by fire and a universal sabbath comes to pass.

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.