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 · Latin

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The 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin

Actus formalis materiæ primæ, tum etiam elementorum nihil aliud præter ipsa Naturæ principia informat: Forma itaque specifica mixtum perfectum constituit; neque plures formæ in eo existimandæ sunt, cum ipsa elementa sua mixtione corporis effingendi tantum, non informandi prouinciam suscipiant.

English

The formal actuality of first matter, and likewise of the elements, informs nothing beyond those very principles of Nature. A specific form therefore constitutes a perfect mixed body. We should not suppose that there are several forms within it, since the elements themselves, through their mixing, undertake only the task of shaping its body, not of informing it.

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.