Poem, (1609), Raphael Egli to the Reader
| Author: | Hermophilus Philiochemicus [Raphael Egli] |
| Recipient: | Reader |
| Type: | Poem |
| Date: | [1609] |
| Pages: | 1 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Quote as: | https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=5841 |
| Editor: | Edited by Julian Paulus |
| Source: | Basilus Valentinus, De microcosmo, ed. Raphael Egli, Marburg: Wolfgang Ketzel 1609, sig. A1v [BP.BasVal.1609-01]
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| Translation: | Raw translation see below |
| Abstract: | The poem describes the Quintessence as the living offspring of the Eternal God, not derived from the earth but as the Creator's image, signifying its divine and ethereal nature. It is surrounded by three key alchemical elements: Mercury, Sulfur, and Salt, which are in harmonious union with the human soul. The poem contrasts this divine essence with earthly matter, which lacks life and vigor and is associated with death. The role of the physician or alchemist is emphasized as crucial in extracting and understanding this core essence, which holds the power of both the physical and spiritual worlds. The poem concludes by lauding Basil Valentine for his profound insights into these mysteries. (generated by Chat-GPT) |
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[sig. A1v] Philiatris Hermophilis Hermophilus Philiochemicus ἐυοδοῦσαι καὶ ὑγιάινειν.
Nempe Microcosmi Princeps Essentia Quinta
Æternum Æterni viva propago Dei est,
Insufflata Homini: nec humo producta: nec intus
Nata: Creatoris cùm sit imago sui.
Hanc Charites stipant ternæ: Vis Mercurialis:
Cum vi Sulphureâ, cumque vigore Salis;
Queîs Anima, æthereis veluti de sedibus ortis.
Fœdere conjuncta est dulcis amicitiæ.
Quod superat Terra est, expers cum phlegmate vitæ,
Vis expers: Mortis triste domicilium.
Nucleus ex his est Medico eliciendus: Is inter
Majoris Mundi vimquè Minoris habet:
Corpus non corpus, quod maturetur oportet,
Quod retinet vitam, pellit & interitum.
Hoc, si quisquam alius, Basileius explicat heros,
Pius hîc, quam Medicus credere possit, habet.
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.
Hermophilus, the Philochemical Philosopher, wishes health and success.
Indeed, the Quintessence, the principal essence of the Microcosm, is the living offspring of the Eternal God, breathed into Man. It is not produced from the earth, nor is it born internally, but it is the image of its Creator. This Quintessence is surrounded by three Graces: the Power of Mercury, along with the force of Sulfur and the vigor of Salt. The Soul, as if originating from heavenly realms, is sweetly united with these in a bond of friendship. Anything that surpasses Earth, lacking life and vigor, is devoid of force and is the sad dwelling of Death. The core of these elements must be extracted by the Physician; it possesses the power of both the Greater and the Lesser World. It is a body, yet not a body, which must be matured, retaining life and warding off decay. Basil the hero, if anyone, explains this. He possesses a piety here that is greater than any physician could believe.
