OF THE MIRROR

OF THIS MACROCOSMIC

O B J E C T S .

In this emblematic mirror, therefore, it is demonstrated how:

GOD

• In the beginning, He created all things metaphysically. original: "metaphysicè"; here meaning in a spiritual or conceptual form prior to physical existence.
• From the beginning, He ordained whatever He willed.

DAEMONS original: "DÆMONES"; in this philosophical context, the term refers to intermediary spirits or "daemons" (including angels) that act as messengers between the divine and the earthly, rather than exclusively evil spirits. metaphysically

• They carry out divine ordinations.
• They announce the commands of God.

NATURE Physically

• It fulfills the divine will.
• It obeys the ordinance of the creator by generating physical things and, in turn, dissolving them. original: "corrumpendo"; in Aristotelian philosophy, "generation and corruption" refers to the natural cycle of birth/growth and decay/death.

ART original: "ARS"; refers to human skill, craft, and particularly alchemy or technology used to manipulate the natural world. by divine permission, in its physical operations

• It imitates Nature.
• It assists Nature.
• It perfects Nature.

Speculum (Mirror): A common Renaissance metaphor for a book or system that reflects the truths of the universe.
Macrocosmicus (Macrocosmic): Relating to the "great world" or the entire universe as a whole, often contrasted with the "microcosm" of man.
Physicè (Physically): Relating to the laws of the material, tangible world.