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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 · English

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The 245 Canons · English

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Latin

Duo itaque rerum principia ab initio creata fuerunt, unum luminosum & spirituali naturae proximum, alterum omninò corporeum & tenebrosum; illud ut esset principium motus, luminis & caloris; istud verò principium stuporis, opacitatis & frigoris; illud activum & masculeum, istud passivum & foemineum: ex parte prioris, motus ad generationem in Mundo elementari, unde vita: ex parte posterioris, motus ad corruptionem, unde mors initium trahit: Hic est uterque mundi inferioris limbus.

English

Two principles of things were therefore created in the beginning: one luminous and close to spiritual nature, the other wholly corporeal and dark. The former was to be the principle of motion, light and heat; the latter, of numbness, opacity and cold. The former is active and male, the latter passive and female. From the former comes movement towards generation in the elemental world, and hence life; from the latter begins movement towards corruption, and hence death. These are the two bounds of the lower world.

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.