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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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Latin Page · Branch 307 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

Latin

Spiritualis naturæ proprium est agere, corporeæ verò pati: vbi ergo vtriusque fit concursus, vt in mixtis, illa tanquam nobilior agit ac dominatur, hæc patiendo obtemperat; agendi enim vis est insigne dominij, patiendi verò onus seruitutis nota: sic ignis insitus in semine est principium generationis & vitæ, Naturæ Archæus & Oeconomus in materiâ præparandâ & effingendâ, in elementorum mixtione & distributione: Sic forma in mixto vires suas pro imperio exercet, tanquam fons omnium eius actionum: sic cælestium virtutes elementa inferiora, corporeámque materiam disponunt ac sigillant.

English

It belongs properly to spiritual nature to act, and to bodily nature to undergo action. Where the two meet, as in mixed bodies, the former, being nobler, acts and rules, while the latter obeys by undergoing action. For the power to act is the badge of dominion, and the burden of undergoing action the mark of servitude. Thus the fire implanted in the seed is the principle of generation and life, Nature’s Archeus and steward in preparing and shaping matter and in mixing and distributing the elements. Thus form exercises its powers with authority within the mixed body as the source of all its actions. Thus the powers of heavenly things dispose and seal the lower elements and bodily matter.

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.