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 hidden mineral power understood through its appointed end.
- In the bookSpara gives another mineral virtue related to the first being of metals.
- A place to readThe historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 45; facsimile PDF page 373.
Historical definition
Truphat is an occult virtue of minerals by which they act toward the end for which they were ordained.
Meaning
The definition explains activity through purpose. The virtue is hidden, belongs to minerals, and directs their action toward an ordained end. Occult names what is concealed in the account; it does not itself specify a chemical composition.
Use in the book
Spara gives another mineral virtue related to the first being of metals. Truphat emphasizes the end toward which the action is directed instead. Keeping origin and purpose separate makes both entries more informative.
Places to read
In this edition
The explanation follows the historical claim about natural ends. It does not convert the mineral’s ordained purpose into a modern scientific measurement.
Source note
Historical source. 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 45; facsimile PDF page 373 — Facsimile
Sources. A Chymicall Dictionary (1650), s.v. Truphat; 1650 facsimile PDF p. 373; compare Spara, Stannar