From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordFire-associated spirits described through visible forms and a mountain habitat.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 2; facsimile PDF page 330.
Historical definition
Æthnici are fiery spirits, or spiritual people burning in fire, who appear in diverse forms and shapes, such as flames, firebrands and round balls of coals, especially in sulphurous mountains.
Meaning
The definition presents an account of appearances: flames, brands and glowing round forms are understood as manifestations of spirits or spiritual people. The phrase “especially in sulphurous mountains” locates these appearances within the same combustible landscape described under Æthna. It does not make the two entries identical: one names subterranean fire, the other the beings said to appear in it.
Notice also that the forms are multiple. A reader should not expect a single standard image or bodily shape. The entry belongs to the dictionary’s historical account of inhabited nature, in which places, materials and spiritual agents can be described together.
Places to read
- ÆthniciRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- ÆthnaAn underground fire explained through sulphur, resin and bitumen.
- AerdadiAir-dwelling spirits described as corporeal.
- SalamandriSpirits or fiery men associated with residence in fire.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 2; facsimile PDF page 330 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Æthnici ; compare Æthna, Aerdadi, Salamandri