Atramenta

Meaning

Atramenta occurs in Nature’s list of metals, stones and other mineral products formed from the elements within the earth. The dialogue does not define the term by identifying a particular substance or use. Its local importance is classificatory: these things belong to Nature’s subterranean first composition, in contrast with the explicitly described seed and reproduction of plants and animals. The aligned English retains “atramenta” rather than choosing “ink,” “vitriol” or a particular mineral. That restraint is significant. The passage supports the printed designation and its place in the argument, but not a modern chemical identification.