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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 · Latin

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Latin Page · Branch 344 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

Latin

Naturæ motus continuus ac indefessus est, non minùs in partibus quàm in toto; agit enim illa semper, ocij impatiens, adeo vt si momento quiesceret, rueret fabrica vniuersi, quæ legi motus perpetui mancipata est, neque etenim terra stans, mare pacatum, aër tranquillus, quia moueri non percipiuntur, propterea omninò quiescunt; non secus ac homo dormiens, quies illa actionis remissio est, non amissio vel cessatio: Natura introrsùm agit, quocunque tempore organa sua mouet, nec ab actione vnquam desistit: ipsa etiam cadauera motum corruptionis patiuntur; viuentia autem, licèt non locali, organico tamen motu aguntur.

English

Nature’s movement is continuous and tireless, no less in the parts than in the whole. She always acts, unable to endure idleness, so that if she rested for a moment the fabric of the Universe, bound to the law of perpetual movement, would collapse. The standing earth, peaceful sea and tranquil air are not wholly at rest merely because we do not perceive them moving. As with a sleeping person, this rest is a relaxation of activity, not its loss or cessation. Nature acts inwardly, moves her instruments at every moment and never ceases from action. Even dead bodies undergo the movement of corruption; living things, though they may lack movement from place to place, are nevertheless moved by the activity of their organs.

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.