From the book
A Chymical Dictionary
Gerhard Dorn and John French · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordA heavenly power and, particularly, the assembly of angels.
- In the bookVirtue here means a power or efficacy.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 42; facsimile PDF page 370.
Historical definition
Seraphin is an unutterable virtue, an infinite power of heaven, and especially the assembly of angels.
Meaning
The entry moves from an inexpressible virtue to an infinite heavenly power and then to an assembly of angels. Especially marks the final identification as a more particular application. The wording therefore contains a range rather than one material equivalent.
Use in the book
Virtue here means a power or efficacy. The theological register differs from the more concrete material action of a salt or furnace, although the same broad vocabulary of effective power appears across the dictionary.
Cherubin supplies a useful comparison: it is described as a celestial virtue and influence proceeding from God and descending to earth and people. Both entries speak of heavenly power, but Seraphin particularly names the assembly of angels.
Places to read
- SeraphinRead the complete historical definition and its commentary.
- Spiritus AnimalisA power of the soul described through likeness to the heavens.
- TruphatA hidden mineral power understood through its appointed end.
- CherubinA divine celestial influence described through descent and superior power.
In this edition
The original form is retained without deciding that every use refers to a chemical preparation or a human mental faculty.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 42; facsimile PDF page 370 — Facsimile