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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 14

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Facing Pages · Branch 42 of 375

The 245 Canons · Canon 14

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Latin

Cautiùs Aristoteles, qui licèt mundum aeternum crediderit, materiam quandam primam & universalem indicavit, cuius anfractus fugiens sobriè & ambiguè de ea disseruit; ut melius esse dicat facere unam eandemque rerum omnium materiam inseparabilem, quae tamen ratione differat; ex qua prima corpora & caetera, quae sensu percipiuntur, constent, primumque esse eorum principium, eamque ab illis inseparabilem, sed semper cum repugnantiâ copulatam; quae contrariis subiiciatur; ex qua Elementa oriantur.

English

Aristotle was more cautious. Although he believed the world eternal, he indicated a certain first and universal matter, avoiding its windings and discussing it soberly and ambiguously. He says it is better to posit one and the same inseparable matter of all things, though distinguished in thought, from which the first bodies and the other things perceived by sense consist. It is their first principle and inseparable from them, yet always joined with opposition, underlying contraries and giving rise to the elements.

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.