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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 · Canon 60

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The 245 Canons · Canon 60

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Latin

Siccitas autem per accidens & remissè terrae competit, in medio enim aquarum creata fuit; & rerum ordo postulabat, ut prae gravitate sua aquis immersa ab humido nunquam recederet; verùm creator summo iure usus, aquis remotis, liberam eius faciem exhibuit, ut mixtorum creationi, tum habitationi locus daretur: Terra itaque non secundum naturae legem, sed per gratiam à naturali servitutis iugo & humoris tyrannide liberata est, ut siccâ fronte in auras emergeret, gratumque Mundi lumen perciperet.

English

Dryness belongs to earth accidentally and in a moderated degree, for it was created in the midst of waters. The order of things required it, submerged by its own weight, never to withdraw from moisture. But the creator, exercising his supreme right, removed the waters and exposed its free surface to provide room for the creation and dwelling of compounds. Earth was therefore freed from its natural yoke of servitude and the tyranny of moisture by grace rather than by nature's law, so that with a dry brow it might emerge into the air and receive the world's welcome light.

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.