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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

Latin

Fermentum illud radicale, in mixtorum profundo constanter permanens videtur contracti matrimonij inter lucem & tenebras, materiam primam & formam vniuersalem, inter contraria denique vinculum, sedes & retinaculum formarum in mixtis; secus materia & forma propter aduersas ferè earum naturas non coalescerent; verùm tenebrosa illa materiæ primæ ferocitas & à lumine auersio edomita fuit, & eius odium in amorem conuersum beneficio primæ illius tincturæ lucidæ, quæ aduersa conciliat.

English

That radical ferment, remaining constantly in the depths of mixed bodies, seems to be the bond of the marriage contracted between light and darkness, first matter and universal form—in a word, between contraries—and the seat and receptacle of forms in mixed bodies. Otherwise matter and form could not grow together because their natures are almost opposed. Yet first matter’s dark fierceness and aversion to light were tamed, and its hatred turned to love, through the benefit of that first luminous tincture which reconciles opposites.

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.