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 · Canon 109

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Facing Pages · Branch 164 of 375

The 245 Canons · Canon 109

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Latin

Natura figulinam artem exercet, tota enim in materia suâ circulariter fingendâ occupatur: quatuor illae qualitates sunt quasi rotulae, quarum ope illa circulari, & lento motu opera sua gradatim, & sapienter informat.

English

Nature practises the potter’s art, for her whole occupation is to shape her matter in a circle. Those four qualities are like little wheels, by whose aid she gradually and wisely gives form to her works through a slow, circular motion.

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.