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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 · Canon 197

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Facing Pages · Branch 292 of 375

The 245 Canons · Canon 197

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Latin

Lucis natura est, vt à fonte suo indesinenter fluat; spiritus illos emissarios æthereæ naturæ se admiscentes, radios nuncupamus, suntque primi lucis actus & luminis vehiculum: corporis enim lucidi proprium est, vt per radios agat, calorem & splendorem emittat: vt longè latéque per radiorum eiaculationem & multiplicationem in orbem lucem effundat. Per lucem simpliciter primarium corporis luminosi actum; per lumen autem secundarium, qui à primo manat liceat exprimere.

English

It is the nature of light to flow unceasingly from its source. We call those emissary spirits that mingle with ethereal nature rays: they are the first activity of light and the vehicle of radiance. For it belongs to a luminous body to act through rays and emit heat and brilliance, pouring light far and wide around it through the projection and multiplication of rays. Let us use lux simply to express the primary activity of a luminous body, and lumen the secondary activity that flows from the first.

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.