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-element spirits described as familiars.
- In the bookSalamandri and Trifertes also concern spirits dwelling in fire.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 37; facsimile PDF page 365.
Historical definition
Penates are spirits of the element of fire, called familiars.
Meaning
The definition provides both an elemental association and another name. Called familiars records the relation between the names in this witness.
Use in the book
Salamandri and Trifertes also concern spirits dwelling in fire. Their related descriptions give a useful reading route, although the present entry does not explicitly equate all three names.
Places to read
- PenatesRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- SaganiA collective name for elemental spirits.
- SalamandriSpirits or fiery men associated with residence in fire.
- TrifertesA fire-dwelling spirit name.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 37; facsimile PDF page 365 — Facsimile