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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 · English

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The 245 Canons · English

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Latin

Tum etiam quia metalla perfecta potissimùm, vitae principium in se recondunt, Ignem videlicet insitum coelitùs infusum, qui sub duro metalli cortice hebes factus, motus expers, & velut thesaurus incantatus latet, donec solutione philosophicâ & subtili artificis ingenio libertatem consequutus spiritum subtilem & caelestem animam per vegetationis motum potenter explicet, tandemque in summam artis & Naturae perfectionem exaltetur.

English

Another reason is that metals, especially perfect ones, conceal within themselves a principle of life: an implanted fire poured in from heaven. Dulled beneath the metal’s hard rind, deprived of motion, it lies hidden like an enchanted treasure, until, gaining freedom through philosophical dissolution and the artist’s subtle ingenuity, it powerfully unfolds a subtle spirit and a heavenly soul through the motion of growth, and is finally exalted to the highest perfection of art and Nature.

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.