From the book
A New Light of Alchemy
Michael Sendivogius · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Second matter from the philosopher
secunda a Philosopho
The elliptical phrase follows “first matter from the Creator.”
- English renderings
- second matter from the philosopher
Meaning
Phrase.
The elliptical phrase follows “first matter from the Creator.” It limits the philosopher’s role to a subsequent material provision within a natural process. Nature does not work until matter is supplied, and the artist can dispose conditions that awaken an enclosed fire. This is not creation from nothing or an ability to infuse the rational soul, which the same passage denies.
Places to read
- Sulphur · Fire · Passage 7Latinsecunda a Philosopho.
From the book
A New Light of Alchemy
Michael Sendivogius · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Second matter
secunda materia
Already-created generative material through which a thing can multiply, contrasted with a first origin the practitioner cannot manufacture.
- English renderings
- second matter
Meaning
Phrase.
Already-created generative material through which a thing can multiply, contrasted with a first origin the practitioner cannot manufacture. Chapter VI calls the multiplying seed second matter; Chapter IV stresses a conceived state no longer alterable into another form. Its usefulness depends upon a suitable place and nature’s action, so having second matter does not make the artist an independent creator.
Places to read
- Treatise VI · Passage 5Latin; Treatise VII · Passage 1Latinsecunda materia est semen.