Illuminations & Reflections
Explore ideas and discoveries inspired by the texts and traditions preserved by the Ficino Society.
Freshly Digitised & Translated
at the Source Library
De Mysteriis
De Mysteriis, by Iamblichus, translated by Marsilio Ficino in 1497, is a Neoplatonic text defending theurgy, rituals for divine union. It outlines a cosmic hierarchy and sacred symbols, influencing Renaissance Hermeticism.
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Kavyamimansa
A foundational Sanskrit text on poetics, offering sharp reflections on the nature of poetry, criticism, and literary creation within the medieval Indian tradition.
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Biological Leaflets
Concise pamphlets examining natural history and biological observations in an accessible format.
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Historia: von dem Leben und Wandel der heyligen Barlaam dess Einsidels, unnd Josaphat dess König in Indien Sohn
A German retelling of Barlaam and Josaphat. Josaphat, an Indian prince, is sheltered by his pagan father to prevent his conversion to Christianity.
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Tractatus Two. On the Nature of the Elements. On the Fifth Essence
A probing inquiry into the classical elements and the elusive quinta essentia, merging mechanical insight with alchemical speculation.
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On Presages, Divination, and Astrological and Astronomical
Writings explore cosmic influences on earth, interpreting natural omens, celestial patterns, and divine signs to predict events, blending astrology and divination with spiritual insight.
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Novum lumen chymicum
A key alchemical text exploring matter, metals, and the philosopher’s stone. It introduces the "food of life" in air (linked to oxygen) and "central nitre," blending practical chemistry with mysticism. Widely influential, it shaped early modern science.
Open BookDe Mysteriis
A comprehensive Ficinian exploration of Platonic mysteries, reconciling esoteric wisdom with Renaissance humanism.
Open BookCuriosa physica
A curious compendium of natural phenomena, mingling observation, wonder, and speculative inquiry in the spirit of early Enlightenment curiosity.
Open BookDe hermetica aegyptiorum vetere et paracelsicorum nova medicina
A comparative examination of ancient Hermetic medicine and Paracelsian innovations, balancing empirical rigor with mystical interpretation.
Open BookGeometrie practique
A Renaissance manual that bridges geometry’s abstract principles with their practical applications in art, science, and architecture.
Open BookIncipit: Ex Ilss. quodam Philosophi R.C. extractum
A fragmentary text engaging with hermetic philosophy and rationalist thought in early modern Europe.
Open BookAsis rimonim
A treatise intertwining Jewish mysticism and philosophy, exploring the symbolic and rational aspects of theological inquiry.
Open BookChristopher Plantius
A short Latin work reflecting the scientific and philosophical ideas of its era.
Open BookShort Stories
A collection of narratives blending satire, humor, and social commentary in early 20th-century Serbian literature.
Open BookAnder Theil [Greek: Gnothi seauton]. Nosce teipsum. Erkenne dich selber O Mensch: heisset Astrologia theologizata
A mystical guide to self-knowledge in which the stars and theology become mirrors of the inner cosmos of the human soul.
Open BookComplementum astrologiae und auszführliche Erklerung des fünffjährigen Prognostici 1619 zu Hall gedruckt
A technical explanation of astrological predictions and their application in early modern Europe.
Open BookAstrologia aphoristica Ptolemaei, Hermetis, Ludovici de Rigiis, Almansoris, Hieronymi Cardani, et autoris innominati
A wide-ranging collection of astrological aphorisms drawn from classical and Renaissance sources.
Open BookAusführlicher Bericht vom Gebrauch desz Instruments so titulirt physico astrologicum instrumentum
A practical report on an astrological instrument, merging technical application with philosophical reflection.
Open BookKurtze Instruction zu der Geomantia, Auff die neue Arth nach astrologischer Application solches getheilet in Theoriam & Praxin
A short instruction on geomancy, adapted with astrological applications into theory and practice.
Open BookDas Buoch, meteororum. Liber quartus paramiri de matrice
A treatise by Paracelsus on meteorological and cosmological phenomena, situated within his paramiric writings.
Open BookAstronomica et astrologica
Paracelsian reflections on astronomy and astrology, merging celestial science with esoteric medicine.
Open BookMorgenröte im Aufgang, das ist: die Wurzel oder Mutter der Philosophiae, Astrologiae und Theologiae
Böhme’s mystical masterpiece, presenting the dawn of wisdom as the root of philosophy, astrology, and theology in a visionary synthesis.
Open BookAnleitung zur primitiven gabalistischen Wissenschaft
An introduction to a form of primitive cabalistic science, situating mystical interpretation within Enlightenment context.
Open BookJulius Firmicus Maternus's Astronomicon, in Eight Books
A monumental Latin astrological text, providing one of antiquity’s most comprehensive treatments of celestial science.
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