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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 · Latin

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The 245 Canons · Latin

Latin

Aër universus Caelum est, area Universi, Naturae cribrum, per quod virtutes & influentiae aliorum corporum transmittuntur: media natura sparsas omnes Universi naturas coniungens: fumus subtilissimus ab igne caelesti in lumen, quasi flammam immortalem, accensus: lucis & umbrae, diei noctisque subiectum; vacui impatiens; diaphanorum primum, qualitatum ferè omnium & affectionum facillimus susceptor, nullius tenacissimus custos, spirituali naturae vicinus, propterea in arcanis philosophorum tractandis spiritus nomine designatur.

English

Air in its entirety is heaven, the field of the universe, nature's sieve, through which the powers and influences of other bodies are transmitted. It is an intermediate nature joining all the scattered natures of the universe; the subtlest smoke, kindled by celestial fire into light like an immortal flame; the subject of light and shadow, day and night. It cannot tolerate a vacuum. Foremost among transparent things, it most readily receives almost every quality and affection, yet retains none with great tenacity. It is close to spiritual nature and is therefore designated by the name spirit when the philosophers' secrets are discussed.

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.