From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordThe place of life understood as the mind’s or soul’s seat.
- In the bookMicrocosmus names man as a little world, while Liquor essentialis concerns material becoming flesh and blood.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 30; facsimile PDF page 358.
Historical definition
Locus vitæ is the seat of the mind or soul.
Meaning
The definition locates life through the mind or soul without naming an anatomical organ. Seat marks a dwelling or position of activity, not necessarily a separate substance. A reader should therefore avoid replacing the expression automatically with the heart, brain or another bodily part.
Use in the book
Microcosmus names man as a little world, while Liquor essentialis concerns material becoming flesh and blood. The different entries show that life can be discussed through an organising seat, the whole human being, or a process of bodily formation.
Places to read
- Locus vitæRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Liquor essentialisAn assimilable humour described through its becoming flesh and blood.
- MicrocosmusThe human being named as a little world.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 30; facsimile PDF page 358 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 358, Locus vitæ