From the book
Sal Lumen and Spiritus Mundi Philosophici
Clovis Hesteau de Nuysement · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
II.3.28 presents lustre positively as a consequence of purity. Volatile combustible matter deposits soot, blackness and obscurity, obstructing Nature's light; the most perfect bodies are consequently said to shine more brightly. Perfect and imperfect metals and precious stones are the author's examples. The local direction of the argument is therefore from less impurity to greater brilliance, not a warning that lustre is meaningless.
Other passages complicate the evidential use of appearance. II.2.9 reports a bright salt and a coloured fusion that did not achieve metallic metamorphosis; II.3.20 says apparently pure and clear matter can still contain dregs. Those cautions must stand beside, not overwrite, II.3.28's positive use of splendour. The source does not supply a single unqualified rule by which every visible shine proves completed purification.
Places to read
- Book Two · Chapter 3 · Unit 28Greater lustre is explicitly treated as a consequence of greater purity, while smoky impurity obscures Nature’s light.
- Book Two · Chapter 2 · Unit 9Brightness and colour in the experiment do not establish successful metallic metamorphosis.
- Book Two · Chapter 3 · Unit 20The author admits dregs in a subject that seems pure and clear.
Word family
Lustre and obscurité: brilliance can coexist with hidden impurity. Exact historical spellings are listed separately.
Attested forms
lumiere & splendeur; lustre; sombres