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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English Page · Branch 212 of 375

The 245 Canons · English

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Latin

Quoniam inferiora à superioribus legem accipiunt, quorum naturae & affectiones homini maximè incognitae sunt, ideò fallax & incerta nobis est Coeli nostri regula; Naturae tamen intentionem, magis quàm actionem; ordinem magis quàm ordinis turbationem ob oculos sibi proponat philosophus.

English

Since lower things receive their law from higher things, whose natures and dispositions are largely unknown to humankind, the rule of our sky is deceptive and uncertain to us. Yet let the philosopher set before his eyes Nature’s intention more than her action, and order more than the disturbance of order.

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.