Poem, (1604), by Andreas Emmenius
| Author: | Andreas Emmenius |
| Type: | Poem |
| Date: | [1604] |
| Place: | Leipzig |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Quote as: | https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=5828 |
| Editor: | Edited by Julian Paulus |
| Source: | Basilus Valentinus, TriumphWagen Antimonii, ed. Johann Thölde, Leipzig: Jacob Popporeich for Jacob Apel 1604, sig. (2)8v-(3)1r [BP.BasVal.1604-01]
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| Translation: | Raw translation see below |
| Abstract: | The poem extols the virtues of antimony. Emmenius describes antimony's journey from being undervalued and misunderstood, often compared to harmful substances by the ignorant, to its eventual recognition as a valuable material in medicine and alchemy. He references its historical suppression by figures like Momus and Midas and its comparison to the poisons mixed by witches. However, he notes that renowned figures like Pliny acknowledged its true worth among metals. Emmenius further highlights the advancements made by Paracelsus in understanding antimony, emphasizing its newfound respect and importance in healing arts. The text metaphorically describes antimony's triumph over ignorance and slander, portraying it as a powerful substance that has finally gained the recognition it deserves in the scientific and medical communities of his time. (generated by Chat-GPT) |
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[sig. (2)8v] Stibivm trivmphans.
Qvod nunc[c1] Arctoo longè lateq́ue sub astro
Auratis Stibivm cernitur ire rotis
Hoc dudum preßit rudis Ignorantia, plantis
Suppositum toties, Mome Midaq́ue tuis.
Gestijt æquiparare tetris hoc fama venenis:
Quæ miscet tremulâ Saga noversa manu.
Succis Medeæ par proclamavit Agyrtes,
Contemti jacuit pulveris instar opus.
Quod tamen argenti peperit natura metallis:
Hoc ut veridico Plinius ore probat.
Evicit tandem melior lapis ille Beryllo:
Vnio cui cedat nunc, Cleopatra, tuus.
Quod Paracelsvs iter meliori straverat ævo,
Magnis Poeoniâ nunc patet arte Viris.
[sig. (3)1r] Qui bibit inde, valet: Succo preciosior omni
Illinc gutta venit: qui bibit inde, valet.
Parva loquor: res est mutandis apta metallis:
Res melior granis, Aurifer Herme, tuis.
Altius ire libet: magnis assuesce triumphis
Ars, Te victricem Vesper & Ortus ament.
Ponè sequi vinctus captiva Calumnia membris,
Tandem triste jugum ferre coacta dolet.
- M. Andreas Emmenius, Medicæ artis Licentiand[us] Lipsiæ f[ecit].
English Raw Translation
Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 12 January 2024. Attention: This translation is a machine translation by artificial intelligence. The translation has not been checked and should not be cited without additional human verification.
Triumphing Antimony.
That which is now seen far and wide under the Arctic star, traveling on golden wheels, is Antimony. This element was long oppressed by crude Ignorance, repeatedly trampled under the feet of Momus and Midas. Fame eagerly likened it to vile poisons, which a witch mixes with her trembling hand. The charlatan compared it to the juices of Medea, and the work lay disregarded, like worthless dust. Yet, nature produced it among the metals of silver, as Pliny affirms with a truthful voice. Eventually, this stone surpassed the Beryl: now, Cleopatra, your union must yield to it. What Paracelsus had set forth for a better age, now opens up to great men through the art of healing. He who drinks from it becomes strong: a drop from there is more precious than any juice. He who drinks from it becomes strong. I speak of minor things: it is a substance suitable for transforming metals: a substance better than your grains, gold-bearing Hermes. I desire to go higher: Art, get accustomed to great triumphs, may Evening and Dawn love you as the victor. Slander, bound and following as a captive, finally grieves, forced to bear the sad yoke.
Made by M. Andreas Emmenius, Licentiate of Medical Art in Leipzig.
