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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 · Latin

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Latin Page · Branch 91 of 375

The 245 Canons · Latin

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Latin

Simplicia corporum Elementa, ab omni mixtione separata qui quaerit, vano torquetur labore, ingenio quippe humano incognita sunt: quae enim Elementa vulgò habentur, nequaquam simplicia, imò inter se inseparabiliter mixta sunt. Terra, Aqua, Aër partes integrantes universi sunt veriùs, quàm Elementa, sed rectè eorum matrices dici convenit.

English

Whoever seeks the simple elements of bodies, separated from every mixture, torments himself with vain labour, for they are unknown to human understanding. What are commonly regarded as elements are by no means simple, but inseparably mixed with one another. Earth, water and air are more truly integral parts of the universe than elements, though they may rightly be called the elements' matrices.

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.