From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordStars described through the image of heavenly coals.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 14; facsimile PDF page 342.
Historical definition
Carbones cœli are the stars.
Meaning
The dictionary gives a direct celestial identification. The coal image helps make the wording intelligible, but the entry does not establish a material composition of stars. Its principal role is to connect a figurative expression with the heavenly bodies intended.
Astrum supplies a different technical use of star vocabulary concerning powers gained through preparation. The contrast is useful: figurative language about stars and technical language using a star-name may operate in different domains. The surrounding passage must decide which is relevant.
Places to read
- Carbones cœliRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- AstrumA “star” understood as a material’s enhanced power through preparation.
- Cœli planetarumThe planets’ own orbs and spheres.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 14; facsimile PDF page 342 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Carbones cœli ; compare Astrum, Cœli planetarum