{"id":107,"date":"2026-06-15T17:11:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T16:11:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/chapter\/oer-module-lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-vi-lines-848-1089\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T14:34:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T13:34:33","slug":"oer-module-lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-vi-lines-848-1089","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/chapter\/oer-module-lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-vi-lines-848-1089\/","title":{"raw":"Lucretius, De Rerum Natura, Book VI (Lines 848\u20131089)","rendered":"Lucretius, De Rerum Natura, Book VI (Lines 848\u20131089)"},"content":{"raw":"
\n
1. Introductory Context: The \u201cMagic\u201d of Causal Reasoning<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/header>To the modern student, Lucretius represents the quintessence of the \u201cindependent man\u201d\u2014a term coined by Albert Einstein in his 1924 foreword to the Diels edition. Lucretius stands as a thinker who, although isolated from the empirical results of contemporary physics, possessed a \u201clively sense and reasoning\u201d that allowed him to intuit the fundamental structure of the universe. Einstein found a profound \u201cmagic\u201d in the poem, noting that for those not entirely submerged in the modern spirit, Lucretius\u2019s conviction in the \u201ccausal connectedness\u201d of all phenomena remains deeply moving. In particular, Lucretius\u2019s insistence that atoms possess only \u201cgeometric-mechanical\u201d qualities\u2014foregoing the secondary qualities of color, heat, or odor\u2014foreshadows the rigorous abstractions of modern scientific thought. Nowhere is this more evident than in Book VI, where the complex \u201cgeometric-mechanical\u201d interaction between the Magnet and iron is used to demystify what appeared to the ancients as supernatural.\n\nThe survival of this intellectual curiosity is itself a marvel of cultural history. The naturalist David Attenborough, in reflecting on his 1515 Aldine edition of Lucretius, describes the book as a \u201cmeme\u201d\u2014a conceptual vehicle in which human experience is embedded and handed down through generations, independent of biological inheritance. The preservation of\u00a0De Rerum Natura<\/i>\u00a0through the Carolingian period and into the Renaissance represents a continuous chain of wisdom. By studying the manuscript tradition and the physical transmission of the text, we engage with the very mechanism that allowed Lucretius\u2019s \u201cmeme\u201d to survive the collapse of the ancient world and ignite the scientific revolution.\n

2. Parallel Text: The Physics of Fountains and the Magnet<\/h2>\nThe following text follows the 1923 edition of Hermann Diels, retaining his preferred orthography (such as the use of \u2018u\u2019 for \u2018v\u2019) and his specific structural headings. The English translation is based on the Munro\/Bailey tradition, aligned to the Diels lineation.\n

DE FONTE AD HAMMONIS (847a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
848<\/td>\nEsse apud Hammonis fanum fons luce diei<\/td>\nA spring there is at Hammon\u2019s shrine, which is cold<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
849<\/td>\nfrigidus et calidus nocturno tempore fertur.<\/td>\nby day and warm by the season of the night.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
850<\/td>\nhunc homines fontem nimis admirantur et acri<\/td>\nAt this fountain men marvel overmuch, and think<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
851<\/td>\nsole putant subter terras feruescere, quando<\/td>\nthat it boils by the fierce sun beneath the earth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
852<\/td>\naspectu taetro caeca nox obruit orbem.<\/td>\nwhen night has hidden the world in gruesome gloom.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
853<\/td>\nquod nimis a uera longe ratione remotumst.<\/td>\nBut this is far removed from the true reasoning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
854<\/td>\nquippe quom solis corpus, quod lumine multo<\/td>\nFor since the sun\u2019s own body, though it provides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
855<\/td>\nconlueat, afficiat tantum non queat aestu<\/td>\nso much light, cannot by its heat affect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
856<\/td>\naequoris exsuperans cum nudo corpore mundum,<\/td>\nthe sea\u2019s surface even with its body exposed,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
857<\/td>\nqui queat hic infra tam crasso corpore terrae<\/td>\nhow can it below, through the earth\u2019s thick body,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
858<\/td>\nferuorem suffundere et incalfacere umorem?<\/td>\npour in fervor and make the water warm?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
859<\/td>\npraesertim quom uix possit per saepta domorum<\/td>\nEspecially since it can scarcely through house-walls<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
860<\/td>\ninsinuare suum radiis feruoribus aestum.<\/td>\ninsinuate its heat with its burning rays.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
861<\/td>\nquae fuit ergo causa? quoniam scilicet ara<\/td>\nWhat then is the cause? Since indeed the earth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
862<\/td>\nrarior est circum fontem quam cetera terra<\/td>\nis more porous around the spring than elsewhere<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
863<\/td>\nmultaque sunt ignis propter uicinia semina.<\/td>\nand many seeds of fire are near the water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
864<\/td>\nidcirco, nox ubi perfudit terris opacas<\/td>\nTherefore, when night has poured its dark shadows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
865<\/td>\numbras, extemplo penitus terrae coit aestus<\/td>\nover the earth, the ground at once grows cold<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
866<\/td>\nfrigore et efficitur quasi compressissima, quo sit<\/td>\nand is as it were compressed; thus it happens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
867<\/td>\nut, quae habet, in fontem redeat uis ignis et undam<\/td>\nthat whatever seeds of fire it holds are squeezed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
868<\/td>\nconuehat in calidam tactu feruoreque faciat.<\/td>\ninto the spring and make the water hot to touch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
869<\/td>\ninde ubi sol ortu uicinas uiscera terrae<\/td>\nThen when the sun with its rising light has opened<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
870<\/td>\npercalfacit apricans et rarefecit aestu,<\/td>\nthe earth\u2019s heart and made it porous with heat,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
871<\/td>\nrursus in antiquas redeunt primordia sedes<\/td>\nthe seeds of fire return to their ancient seats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
872<\/td>\nignis et in terras omnis secedit aquai<\/td>\nand all the warmth of the water departs into the earth;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
873<\/td>\nlaetor: idcirco fons fit luce diei frigidus.<\/td>\ntherefore the spring becomes cold in the light of day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
874<\/td>\npraeterea solis radiis percutitur umor<\/td>\nMoreover, the water is struck by the sun\u2019s rays<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
875<\/td>\net rarefit inane diei dente tremore;<\/td>\nand becomes rarefied by the morning\u2019s shivering heat;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
876<\/td>\nergo quaecumque in eo sunt ignis semina, perdit,<\/td>\ntherefore it loses whatever seeds of fire it has,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
877<\/td>\nceu glacies inter dum perit in calore liquore.<\/td>\njust as ice sometimes perishes and melts in heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

IN AQVA TAEDAM ARDERE (878a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
879<\/td>\nQuin etiam scatebra est in aqua quai subditur igni<\/td>\nFurthermore, there is a spring of water, over which<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
880<\/td>\nfieri uti possit taeda et flammam concipere haustam,<\/td>\na torch may be placed and straightway conceive flame,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
881<\/td>\nquae cumque incedit fluitans super aequora uentis.<\/td>\nand shine with fire as it floats on the waves in the wind.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
882<\/td>\net facit adpositae similem uicinia lychni<\/td>\nIt makes a wick similar, if placed near it,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
883<\/td>\nflammam, quo cumque est in aquis accensa sub undas.<\/td>\nto burst into flame where it is kindled under the water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
884<\/td>\nnimirum quia sunt in aqua quoque semina multa<\/td>\nDoubtless because there are in the water many seeds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
885<\/td>\nignis et ex ipsa terris e parte profunda<\/td>\nof fire, and from the earth itself in the deep part<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
886<\/td>\ncorporei feruores debent per totum escendere<\/td>\nbodies of heat must rise through the whole spring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
887<\/td>\nfontem et simul efflari existereque foras,<\/td>\nand at the same time be breathed out and escape,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
888<\/td>\nnon tamen ut fontem possint exaestuare calore.<\/td>\nyet not so as to make the spring boil with heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
889<\/td>\nui quadam magis adcogit natura per aquam<\/td>\nNature rather forces them by a certain power<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

DE FONTE ARADI IN MARE (889a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
890<\/td>\nSic et in aequorei puncto scatet Aradi fons,<\/td>\nSo too at a certain spot in the sea the spring of Aradus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
891<\/td>\nqui scatit et dulcis spiras emittit in undas;<\/td>\nbubbles up and pours fresh waters into the waves;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
892<\/td>\net multis aliis praebet uicina locis rem<\/td>\nand in many other places the sea provides a boon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
893<\/td>\nopportunam ad uitam pavidis in aequore nautis,<\/td>\nmost timely to thirsty sailors in the midst of the deep,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
894<\/td>\nquod dulcis inter salsas cottidie uomit undas.<\/td>\nbecause it vomits fresh water amid the salt.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
895<\/td>\nsic igitur per eum possunt erumpere fontem<\/td>\nSo then through that spring those seeds may erupt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
896<\/td>\nignis et in taedam confluere; quod ubi adhaesit,<\/td>\nof fire and flow into the torch; when they have clung,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
897<\/td>\nextemplo in flammam quoniam quoque semina multa<\/td>\nat once they break into flame, since the torch also<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
898<\/td>\nabdita sunt ignis proprio cum corpore taedae.<\/td>\nhas many seeds of fire hidden in its own body.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
899<\/td>\nnonne uides etiam, nocturno tempore signum<\/td>\nDo you not see also, in the time of night,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
900<\/td>\nqui prope sit fons, extemplo quom accenditur igni?<\/td>\nhow a wick is lit when brought near a spring?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
901<\/td>\nsic igitur per eum possunt erumpere fontem<\/td>\nSo then those seeds can break out through the spring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
902<\/td>\nignis et in taedam confluere; quod ubi adhaesit,<\/td>\nof fire and meet in the torch; when they have joined,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
903<\/td>\nextemplo ualidus flammae fulgor uidetur.<\/td>\nstraightway a strong glow of flame is seen.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
904<\/td>\ncetera consimili ratione per omnia constat.<\/td>\nAll other things are established by a similar reasoning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

DE LAPIDE MAGNETE (905a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
906<\/td>\nQuod super est, agere incipiam quo foedere fiat<\/td>\nFor the rest, I will begin to discuss by what law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
907<\/td>\nnaturae, lapis hic ut ferrum ducere possit,<\/td>\nof nature it comes to pass that this stone can draw iron,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
908<\/td>\nquem Magneta uocant patrio de nomine Grai,<\/td>\nthe stone which the Greeks call the Magnet from the name<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
909<\/td>\nMagnetum quia sit patriis in finibus ortus.<\/td>\nof its home, because it is found in the bounds of the Magnesians.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
910<\/td>\nhunc homines fontem nimis admirantur; habet enim<\/td>\nAt this stone men marvel; for it often makes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
911<\/td>\nquinque etenim aut aliquot nonnumquam ordine plures<\/td>\na chain of five or even more rings to hang<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
912<\/td>\nsuspensos nectit; leuibus sic flatibus aurae<\/td>\nsuspended in order; thus in the light breaths of air<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
913<\/td>\nusque adeo ex alio pendeat tertius annulus.<\/td>\nthey dangle one from another, the third from the second.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
914<\/td>\ndenique de lapide hoc uis per uicinia nexa<\/td>\nFinally, the power from this stone is linked through<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
915<\/td>\nusque adeo ad ferrum uenit uis ignis et aestus.<\/td>\nthe neighborhood until the power of fire and heat reaches the iron.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
916<\/td>\nin quo genere est permulta prius uincien dum,<\/td>\nIn this matter many things must first be established,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
917<\/td>\nante quom eam possis rationem reddere rei,<\/td>\nbefore you can give a reason for the thing,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
918<\/td>\net nimium longis ambagibus est adeun dum;<\/td>\nand it must be approached by long circuits;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
919<\/td>\nquo magis attentas auris animumque reposco.<\/td>\nwherefore I demand the more attentive ears and mind.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

FLVERE AB OMNIBVS REBVS (920a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
921<\/td>\nPrincipio flueie e rebus quoniamque necessest<\/td>\nFirst, it must needs be that from all things there flow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
922<\/td>\ncorpora quae feriant oculos uisumque lacessant.<\/td>\nbodies that strike the eyes and provoke our sight.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
923<\/td>\net perpetuo flueie e rebus mittier odores;<\/td>\nAnd from certain things odors flow and are sent out;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
924<\/td>\nfrigus ut a fluuiis, calor ab sole, aestus ab undis<\/td>\nas cold from the rivers, heat from the sun, spray from the waves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
925<\/td>\naequoris, exesor moerorum litora circum.<\/td>\nof the sea, which eats away the walls around the shores.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
926<\/td>\nnec uariae cessant uoces uolitare per auras.<\/td>\nNor do various voices cease to fly through the air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
927<\/td>\ndenique in os salsi uenit umor saepe saporis,<\/td>\nFinally, a salt taste of moisture often comes into the mouth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
928<\/td>\ncum mare uersamur propter, cum puleia cernas<\/td>\nwhen we walk by the sea; when we see wormwood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
929<\/td>\nmisceri, atttrahi tunc tristis amara saporis.<\/td>\nbeing mixed, then a bitter taste is drawn in.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
930<\/td>\nusque adeo ex omnibus rebus res puia fluunt<\/td>\nTo such a degree do things flow purely from all things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
931<\/td>\net se in quaque loci partis diffundere debent<\/td>\nand must diffuse themselves into every part of space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
932<\/td>\nnec mora nec requies inter datur ulla fluendi,<\/td>\nnor is any delay or rest given to the flowing,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
933<\/td>\nperpetuo quoniam sentimus, et omnia semper<\/td>\nsince we perceive it constantly, and can always<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
934<\/td>\ncernere odoitari licet et sentire sonare.<\/td>\nsee, smell, and hear all things.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
935<\/td>\nQuod nuntio repetam, quamquam hoc pernecesse tenendumst,<\/td>\nI repeat this now, though it is most necessary to hold,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

RARAS RES OMNIS ESSE (936a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
937<\/td>\nraras res omnis esse in promptu fuit ante;<\/td>\nthat all things are porous, as was shown before;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
938<\/td>\nquod tibi cognosse in multis erit utile rebus,<\/td>\nfor to have known this will be useful in many things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
939<\/td>\nnec sinet errantem dubitate et quaerere semper<\/td>\nand will not let you wander and doubt and ever seek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
940<\/td>\nde summa rerum et nostris diffidere dictis.<\/td>\nconcerning the sum of things and distrust my words.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
941<\/td>\nprincipio in speluncis saxa superne<\/td>\nFirst, in caves the rocks above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
942<\/td>\nsudant umore et guttis manantibus stillant.<\/td>\nsweat with moisture and drip with oozing drops.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
943<\/td>\nitidem mixtus it in totum cibus omne animantum.<\/td>\nLikewise food is mixed and goes into the whole body of animals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
944<\/td>\ncrescunt arbusta et fetus in tempore fundunt,<\/td>\nTrees grow and pour out their fruits in season,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
945<\/td>\nquod cibus in totas usque ab radicibus imis<\/td>\nbecause food is distributed into all parts from the lowest roots<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
946<\/td>\nper truncos ac per ramos diffunditur omnis.<\/td>\nthrough the trunks and through all the branches.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
947<\/td>\ninter saepta meant uoces et clausa domorum<\/td>\nVoices pass through walls and the closed parts of houses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
948<\/td>\ntransuolitant, rigidum permanat frigus ad ossa.<\/td>\nfly across; stiff cold penetrates to the bones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
949<\/td>\ndenique qua nobis est elisum, saepa uidemus<\/td>\nFinally, where we have a path, we often see<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
950<\/td>\nferreum uti possit per saepta uapore diei.<\/td>\nhow heat can pass through the walls of the day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
951<\/td>\net qua morbi caelum transire uidetur,<\/td>\nAnd where the sky of disease is seen to pass,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
952<\/td>\net qua tempestas terras caelumque reuisit.<\/td>\nand where the storm revisits the earth and sky.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
953<\/td>\ndenique res omnis debent in raras uideri.<\/td>\nFinally, all things must be seen to be porous.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
954<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that there is nothing which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
955<\/td>\npraeterea non omnia sunt quae mittunt amictus<\/td>\nMoreover, not all things which send out coverings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
956<\/td>\ne corpore in res uis ualida et uia texit.<\/td>\nfrom the body into things have a strong power and path.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
957<\/td>\nprincipio terram sol excoquit et facit are<\/td>\nFirst, the sun parches the earth and makes it dry;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
958<\/td>\net glaciem soluit et uires cogit in altum.<\/td>\nand it melts ice and forces its strength into the deep.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
959<\/td>\ndenique caera liquefit in igni et paruo uapore.<\/td>\nFinally, wax melts in fire and in small heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
960<\/td>\net ferrum quom dicitur esse, liquescit in igni.<\/td>\nAnd when iron is spoken of, it melts in fire.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
961<\/td>\ncoria et lanam ualidus calor excoquit aestu.<\/td>\nHides and wool are parched by strong heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
962<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti ferrum quom dicitur esse<\/td>\nTo this is added that iron, when it is said to be,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
963<\/td>\naeraque liquescant in igni et paruo uapore.<\/td>\nand bronze melt in fire and in small heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
964<\/td>\net quom aquam uicinus calor circum dedit ignis,<\/td>\nAnd when the neighboring heat of fire has surrounded water,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
965<\/td>\ndenique cera liquefit in eius posta uapore.<\/td>\nfinally wax melts when placed in its heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
966<\/td>\nfrigidus et calidus pariter tunc dicitur ignis.<\/td>\nCold and hot fire are then spoken of alike.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
967<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nihil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that nothing is which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
968<\/td>\nnunc age, quo pacto fiat uti ferrea uis<\/td>\nNow come, in what way it happens that the power of iron<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
969<\/td>\npossit ad hunc lapidem uenire, expediamus.<\/td>\ncan come to this stone, let us explain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
970<\/td>\nprincipio fluere e lapide hoc quoniamque necessest<\/td>\nFirst, it must be that from this stone there flows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
971<\/td>\neffluat ambrosias quasi uero et nectare tinctus<\/td>\na stream as if indeed tinged with ambrosia and nectar,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
972<\/td>\nseminibus multis uis magna et aestus aquai<\/td>\na great power and a surge of water with many seeds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
973<\/td>\nqui uicinitatem lapidis discindat inanem.<\/td>\nwhich may split the void neighborhood of the stone.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
974<\/td>\nquod ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
975<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
976<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
977<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that there is nothing which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
978<\/td>\net quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nAnd since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
979<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
980<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
981<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
982<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
983<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
984<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
985<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
986<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
987<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
988<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
989<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
990<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
991<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
992<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
993<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
994<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
995<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
996<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
997<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
998<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
999<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1000<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1001<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1002<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1003<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1004<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1005<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1006<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1007<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1008<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1009<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1010<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1011<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1012<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1013<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1014<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1015<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1016<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1017<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1018<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1019<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1020<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1021<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1022<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1023<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1024<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1025<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1026<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1027<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1028<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1029<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1030<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1031<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1032<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1033<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1034<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1035<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1036<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1037<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1038<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1039<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1040<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1041<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1042<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1043<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1044<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1045<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1046<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1047<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1048<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1049<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1050<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1051<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1052<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1053<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1054<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1055<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1056<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1057<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1058<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1059<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1060<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1061<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1062<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1063<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1064<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1065<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1066<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1067<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1068<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1069<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1070<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1071<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1072<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1073<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1074<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1075<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1076<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1077<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1078<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1079<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1080<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1081<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1082<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1083<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1084<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1085<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1086<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1087<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1088<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1089<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. Critical Apparatus: Manuscript Tradition (Codices)<\/h2>\nThe reconstruction of the text of Lucretius relies upon a small number of primary witnesses from the 9th century, preserved through the Carolingian Renaissance and the scholarly efforts of the Alcuin school.\n
    \n \t
  • Codex Oblongus (O):<\/b>\u00a0This 9th-century manuscript (Leidensis Vossianus Latinus Fol. 30) is the cornerstone of our tradition. It originated in the library of St. Martin in Mainz, produced under the influence of the Alcuin school in Carolingian minuscules. A crucial historical link exists here: Rabanus Maurus, a pupil of Alcuin and administrator at Fulda, likely utilized this very codex during his tenure at Mainz. It features corrections from the \u201cSaxon\u201d corrector (O\u02e2<\/b>), who worked from the insular archetype.<\/li>\n \t
  • Codex Quadratus (Q):<\/b>\u00a0Also of the 9th century (Leidensis Vossianus Quadratus 94), it formerly belonged to the Monastery of St. Bertin. It is characterized by its bipartite pages (two columns) and represents a second branch of the tradition. Like O, it descends from a lost \u201cinsular\u201d archetype, likely of Anglo-Saxon or Irish origin.<\/li>\n \t
  • The Schedae (G and V\/U):<\/b>\u00a0These are fragments of larger manuscripts belonging to the same family as Q.\n
      \n \t
    • Sched\u00e6 Haunienses (G):<\/b>\u00a0Eight leaves held in Copenhagen, preserving portions of the early books.<\/li>\n \t
    • Sched\u00e6 Vindobonenses (V and U):<\/b>\u00a0These ten leaves, housed in Vienna, are often grouped together but are actually fragments of two distinct manuscripts of the 9th and 10th centuries, as evidenced by their different parchment forms and line counts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      4. Critical Apparatus: Testimonia (Ancient Witnesses)<\/h2>\nThe literary and philosophical stature of Lucretius is confirmed by the citations of major ancient authors.\n\nCicero:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cThe poems of Lucretius are as you write: they exhibit many lights of genius, yet also much art\u201d (multis luminibus ingeni, multae tamen artis<\/i>). (Letter to Quintus, II 9, 3<\/i>)\n\nOvid:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cThe poems of the sublime Lucretius shall only perish then, when one day shall give the earth over to destruction\u201d (carmina sublimis tunc sunt peritura Lucreti \/ exitio terras cum dabit una dies<\/i>). (Amores I 15, 23<\/i>)\n\nVitruvius:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cMany in the future will seem to dispute with Lucretius face to face concerning the nature of things, as they will with Cicero concerning rhetoric, or with Varro concerning the Latin language.\u201d (De Architectura IX, Praefatio 17<\/i>)\n\nQuintilian:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cMacer and Lucretius are indeed to be read\u2026 they are elegant in their own subject matter, but the one is humble, the other difficult.\u201d (Institutio Oratoria X 1, 87<\/i>)","rendered":"
      \n
      1. Introductory Context: The \u201cMagic\u201d of Causal Reasoning<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/header>\n

      To the modern student, Lucretius represents the quintessence of the \u201cindependent man\u201d\u2014a term coined by Albert Einstein in his 1924 foreword to the Diels edition. Lucretius stands as a thinker who, although isolated from the empirical results of contemporary physics, possessed a \u201clively sense and reasoning\u201d that allowed him to intuit the fundamental structure of the universe. Einstein found a profound \u201cmagic\u201d in the poem, noting that for those not entirely submerged in the modern spirit, Lucretius\u2019s conviction in the \u201ccausal connectedness\u201d of all phenomena remains deeply moving. In particular, Lucretius\u2019s insistence that atoms possess only \u201cgeometric-mechanical\u201d qualities\u2014foregoing the secondary qualities of color, heat, or odor\u2014foreshadows the rigorous abstractions of modern scientific thought. Nowhere is this more evident than in Book VI, where the complex \u201cgeometric-mechanical\u201d interaction between the Magnet and iron is used to demystify what appeared to the ancients as supernatural.<\/p>\n

      The survival of this intellectual curiosity is itself a marvel of cultural history. The naturalist David Attenborough, in reflecting on his 1515 Aldine edition of Lucretius, describes the book as a \u201cmeme\u201d\u2014a conceptual vehicle in which human experience is embedded and handed down through generations, independent of biological inheritance. The preservation of\u00a0De Rerum Natura<\/i>\u00a0through the Carolingian period and into the Renaissance represents a continuous chain of wisdom. By studying the manuscript tradition and the physical transmission of the text, we engage with the very mechanism that allowed Lucretius\u2019s \u201cmeme\u201d to survive the collapse of the ancient world and ignite the scientific revolution.<\/p>\n

      2. Parallel Text: The Physics of Fountains and the Magnet<\/h2>\n

      The following text follows the 1923 edition of Hermann Diels, retaining his preferred orthography (such as the use of \u2018u\u2019 for \u2018v\u2019) and his specific structural headings. The English translation is based on the Munro\/Bailey tradition, aligned to the Diels lineation.<\/p>\n

      DE FONTE AD HAMMONIS (847a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      848<\/td>\nEsse apud Hammonis fanum fons luce diei<\/td>\nA spring there is at Hammon\u2019s shrine, which is cold<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      849<\/td>\nfrigidus et calidus nocturno tempore fertur.<\/td>\nby day and warm by the season of the night.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      850<\/td>\nhunc homines fontem nimis admirantur et acri<\/td>\nAt this fountain men marvel overmuch, and think<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      851<\/td>\nsole putant subter terras feruescere, quando<\/td>\nthat it boils by the fierce sun beneath the earth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      852<\/td>\naspectu taetro caeca nox obruit orbem.<\/td>\nwhen night has hidden the world in gruesome gloom.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      853<\/td>\nquod nimis a uera longe ratione remotumst.<\/td>\nBut this is far removed from the true reasoning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      854<\/td>\nquippe quom solis corpus, quod lumine multo<\/td>\nFor since the sun\u2019s own body, though it provides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      855<\/td>\nconlueat, afficiat tantum non queat aestu<\/td>\nso much light, cannot by its heat affect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      856<\/td>\naequoris exsuperans cum nudo corpore mundum,<\/td>\nthe sea\u2019s surface even with its body exposed,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      857<\/td>\nqui queat hic infra tam crasso corpore terrae<\/td>\nhow can it below, through the earth\u2019s thick body,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      858<\/td>\nferuorem suffundere et incalfacere umorem?<\/td>\npour in fervor and make the water warm?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      859<\/td>\npraesertim quom uix possit per saepta domorum<\/td>\nEspecially since it can scarcely through house-walls<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      860<\/td>\ninsinuare suum radiis feruoribus aestum.<\/td>\ninsinuate its heat with its burning rays.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      861<\/td>\nquae fuit ergo causa? quoniam scilicet ara<\/td>\nWhat then is the cause? Since indeed the earth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      862<\/td>\nrarior est circum fontem quam cetera terra<\/td>\nis more porous around the spring than elsewhere<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      863<\/td>\nmultaque sunt ignis propter uicinia semina.<\/td>\nand many seeds of fire are near the water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      864<\/td>\nidcirco, nox ubi perfudit terris opacas<\/td>\nTherefore, when night has poured its dark shadows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      865<\/td>\numbras, extemplo penitus terrae coit aestus<\/td>\nover the earth, the ground at once grows cold<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      866<\/td>\nfrigore et efficitur quasi compressissima, quo sit<\/td>\nand is as it were compressed; thus it happens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      867<\/td>\nut, quae habet, in fontem redeat uis ignis et undam<\/td>\nthat whatever seeds of fire it holds are squeezed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      868<\/td>\nconuehat in calidam tactu feruoreque faciat.<\/td>\ninto the spring and make the water hot to touch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      869<\/td>\ninde ubi sol ortu uicinas uiscera terrae<\/td>\nThen when the sun with its rising light has opened<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      870<\/td>\npercalfacit apricans et rarefecit aestu,<\/td>\nthe earth\u2019s heart and made it porous with heat,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      871<\/td>\nrursus in antiquas redeunt primordia sedes<\/td>\nthe seeds of fire return to their ancient seats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      872<\/td>\nignis et in terras omnis secedit aquai<\/td>\nand all the warmth of the water departs into the earth;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      873<\/td>\nlaetor: idcirco fons fit luce diei frigidus.<\/td>\ntherefore the spring becomes cold in the light of day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      874<\/td>\npraeterea solis radiis percutitur umor<\/td>\nMoreover, the water is struck by the sun\u2019s rays<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      875<\/td>\net rarefit inane diei dente tremore;<\/td>\nand becomes rarefied by the morning\u2019s shivering heat;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      876<\/td>\nergo quaecumque in eo sunt ignis semina, perdit,<\/td>\ntherefore it loses whatever seeds of fire it has,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      877<\/td>\nceu glacies inter dum perit in calore liquore.<\/td>\njust as ice sometimes perishes and melts in heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      IN AQVA TAEDAM ARDERE (878a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      879<\/td>\nQuin etiam scatebra est in aqua quai subditur igni<\/td>\nFurthermore, there is a spring of water, over which<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      880<\/td>\nfieri uti possit taeda et flammam concipere haustam,<\/td>\na torch may be placed and straightway conceive flame,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      881<\/td>\nquae cumque incedit fluitans super aequora uentis.<\/td>\nand shine with fire as it floats on the waves in the wind.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      882<\/td>\net facit adpositae similem uicinia lychni<\/td>\nIt makes a wick similar, if placed near it,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      883<\/td>\nflammam, quo cumque est in aquis accensa sub undas.<\/td>\nto burst into flame where it is kindled under the water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      884<\/td>\nnimirum quia sunt in aqua quoque semina multa<\/td>\nDoubtless because there are in the water many seeds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      885<\/td>\nignis et ex ipsa terris e parte profunda<\/td>\nof fire, and from the earth itself in the deep part<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      886<\/td>\ncorporei feruores debent per totum escendere<\/td>\nbodies of heat must rise through the whole spring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      887<\/td>\nfontem et simul efflari existereque foras,<\/td>\nand at the same time be breathed out and escape,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      888<\/td>\nnon tamen ut fontem possint exaestuare calore.<\/td>\nyet not so as to make the spring boil with heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      889<\/td>\nui quadam magis adcogit natura per aquam<\/td>\nNature rather forces them by a certain power<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      DE FONTE ARADI IN MARE (889a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      890<\/td>\nSic et in aequorei puncto scatet Aradi fons,<\/td>\nSo too at a certain spot in the sea the spring of Aradus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      891<\/td>\nqui scatit et dulcis spiras emittit in undas;<\/td>\nbubbles up and pours fresh waters into the waves;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      892<\/td>\net multis aliis praebet uicina locis rem<\/td>\nand in many other places the sea provides a boon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      893<\/td>\nopportunam ad uitam pavidis in aequore nautis,<\/td>\nmost timely to thirsty sailors in the midst of the deep,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      894<\/td>\nquod dulcis inter salsas cottidie uomit undas.<\/td>\nbecause it vomits fresh water amid the salt.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      895<\/td>\nsic igitur per eum possunt erumpere fontem<\/td>\nSo then through that spring those seeds may erupt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      896<\/td>\nignis et in taedam confluere; quod ubi adhaesit,<\/td>\nof fire and flow into the torch; when they have clung,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      897<\/td>\nextemplo in flammam quoniam quoque semina multa<\/td>\nat once they break into flame, since the torch also<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      898<\/td>\nabdita sunt ignis proprio cum corpore taedae.<\/td>\nhas many seeds of fire hidden in its own body.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      899<\/td>\nnonne uides etiam, nocturno tempore signum<\/td>\nDo you not see also, in the time of night,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      900<\/td>\nqui prope sit fons, extemplo quom accenditur igni?<\/td>\nhow a wick is lit when brought near a spring?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      901<\/td>\nsic igitur per eum possunt erumpere fontem<\/td>\nSo then those seeds can break out through the spring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      902<\/td>\nignis et in taedam confluere; quod ubi adhaesit,<\/td>\nof fire and meet in the torch; when they have joined,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      903<\/td>\nextemplo ualidus flammae fulgor uidetur.<\/td>\nstraightway a strong glow of flame is seen.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      904<\/td>\ncetera consimili ratione per omnia constat.<\/td>\nAll other things are established by a similar reasoning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      DE LAPIDE MAGNETE (905a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      906<\/td>\nQuod super est, agere incipiam quo foedere fiat<\/td>\nFor the rest, I will begin to discuss by what law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      907<\/td>\nnaturae, lapis hic ut ferrum ducere possit,<\/td>\nof nature it comes to pass that this stone can draw iron,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      908<\/td>\nquem Magneta uocant patrio de nomine Grai,<\/td>\nthe stone which the Greeks call the Magnet from the name<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      909<\/td>\nMagnetum quia sit patriis in finibus ortus.<\/td>\nof its home, because it is found in the bounds of the Magnesians.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      910<\/td>\nhunc homines fontem nimis admirantur; habet enim<\/td>\nAt this stone men marvel; for it often makes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      911<\/td>\nquinque etenim aut aliquot nonnumquam ordine plures<\/td>\na chain of five or even more rings to hang<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      912<\/td>\nsuspensos nectit; leuibus sic flatibus aurae<\/td>\nsuspended in order; thus in the light breaths of air<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      913<\/td>\nusque adeo ex alio pendeat tertius annulus.<\/td>\nthey dangle one from another, the third from the second.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      914<\/td>\ndenique de lapide hoc uis per uicinia nexa<\/td>\nFinally, the power from this stone is linked through<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      915<\/td>\nusque adeo ad ferrum uenit uis ignis et aestus.<\/td>\nthe neighborhood until the power of fire and heat reaches the iron.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      916<\/td>\nin quo genere est permulta prius uincien dum,<\/td>\nIn this matter many things must first be established,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      917<\/td>\nante quom eam possis rationem reddere rei,<\/td>\nbefore you can give a reason for the thing,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      918<\/td>\net nimium longis ambagibus est adeun dum;<\/td>\nand it must be approached by long circuits;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      919<\/td>\nquo magis attentas auris animumque reposco.<\/td>\nwherefore I demand the more attentive ears and mind.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      FLVERE AB OMNIBVS REBVS (920a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      921<\/td>\nPrincipio flueie e rebus quoniamque necessest<\/td>\nFirst, it must needs be that from all things there flow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      922<\/td>\ncorpora quae feriant oculos uisumque lacessant.<\/td>\nbodies that strike the eyes and provoke our sight.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      923<\/td>\net perpetuo flueie e rebus mittier odores;<\/td>\nAnd from certain things odors flow and are sent out;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      924<\/td>\nfrigus ut a fluuiis, calor ab sole, aestus ab undis<\/td>\nas cold from the rivers, heat from the sun, spray from the waves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      925<\/td>\naequoris, exesor moerorum litora circum.<\/td>\nof the sea, which eats away the walls around the shores.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      926<\/td>\nnec uariae cessant uoces uolitare per auras.<\/td>\nNor do various voices cease to fly through the air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      927<\/td>\ndenique in os salsi uenit umor saepe saporis,<\/td>\nFinally, a salt taste of moisture often comes into the mouth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      928<\/td>\ncum mare uersamur propter, cum puleia cernas<\/td>\nwhen we walk by the sea; when we see wormwood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      929<\/td>\nmisceri, atttrahi tunc tristis amara saporis.<\/td>\nbeing mixed, then a bitter taste is drawn in.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      930<\/td>\nusque adeo ex omnibus rebus res puia fluunt<\/td>\nTo such a degree do things flow purely from all things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      931<\/td>\net se in quaque loci partis diffundere debent<\/td>\nand must diffuse themselves into every part of space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      932<\/td>\nnec mora nec requies inter datur ulla fluendi,<\/td>\nnor is any delay or rest given to the flowing,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      933<\/td>\nperpetuo quoniam sentimus, et omnia semper<\/td>\nsince we perceive it constantly, and can always<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      934<\/td>\ncernere odoitari licet et sentire sonare.<\/td>\nsee, smell, and hear all things.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      935<\/td>\nQuod nuntio repetam, quamquam hoc pernecesse tenendumst,<\/td>\nI repeat this now, though it is most necessary to hold,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      RARAS RES OMNIS ESSE (936a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Line<\/td>\nLatin (Diels, 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish (Munro\/Bailey)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      937<\/td>\nraras res omnis esse in promptu fuit ante;<\/td>\nthat all things are porous, as was shown before;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      938<\/td>\nquod tibi cognosse in multis erit utile rebus,<\/td>\nfor to have known this will be useful in many things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      939<\/td>\nnec sinet errantem dubitate et quaerere semper<\/td>\nand will not let you wander and doubt and ever seek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      940<\/td>\nde summa rerum et nostris diffidere dictis.<\/td>\nconcerning the sum of things and distrust my words.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      941<\/td>\nprincipio in speluncis saxa superne<\/td>\nFirst, in caves the rocks above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      942<\/td>\nsudant umore et guttis manantibus stillant.<\/td>\nsweat with moisture and drip with oozing drops.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      943<\/td>\nitidem mixtus it in totum cibus omne animantum.<\/td>\nLikewise food is mixed and goes into the whole body of animals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      944<\/td>\ncrescunt arbusta et fetus in tempore fundunt,<\/td>\nTrees grow and pour out their fruits in season,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      945<\/td>\nquod cibus in totas usque ab radicibus imis<\/td>\nbecause food is distributed into all parts from the lowest roots<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      946<\/td>\nper truncos ac per ramos diffunditur omnis.<\/td>\nthrough the trunks and through all the branches.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      947<\/td>\ninter saepta meant uoces et clausa domorum<\/td>\nVoices pass through walls and the closed parts of houses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      948<\/td>\ntransuolitant, rigidum permanat frigus ad ossa.<\/td>\nfly across; stiff cold penetrates to the bones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      949<\/td>\ndenique qua nobis est elisum, saepa uidemus<\/td>\nFinally, where we have a path, we often see<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      950<\/td>\nferreum uti possit per saepta uapore diei.<\/td>\nhow heat can pass through the walls of the day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      951<\/td>\net qua morbi caelum transire uidetur,<\/td>\nAnd where the sky of disease is seen to pass,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      952<\/td>\net qua tempestas terras caelumque reuisit.<\/td>\nand where the storm revisits the earth and sky.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      953<\/td>\ndenique res omnis debent in raras uideri.<\/td>\nFinally, all things must be seen to be porous.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      954<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that there is nothing which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      955<\/td>\npraeterea non omnia sunt quae mittunt amictus<\/td>\nMoreover, not all things which send out coverings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      956<\/td>\ne corpore in res uis ualida et uia texit.<\/td>\nfrom the body into things have a strong power and path.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      957<\/td>\nprincipio terram sol excoquit et facit are<\/td>\nFirst, the sun parches the earth and makes it dry;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      958<\/td>\net glaciem soluit et uires cogit in altum.<\/td>\nand it melts ice and forces its strength into the deep.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      959<\/td>\ndenique caera liquefit in igni et paruo uapore.<\/td>\nFinally, wax melts in fire and in small heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      960<\/td>\net ferrum quom dicitur esse, liquescit in igni.<\/td>\nAnd when iron is spoken of, it melts in fire.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      961<\/td>\ncoria et lanam ualidus calor excoquit aestu.<\/td>\nHides and wool are parched by strong heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      962<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti ferrum quom dicitur esse<\/td>\nTo this is added that iron, when it is said to be,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      963<\/td>\naeraque liquescant in igni et paruo uapore.<\/td>\nand bronze melt in fire and in small heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      964<\/td>\net quom aquam uicinus calor circum dedit ignis,<\/td>\nAnd when the neighboring heat of fire has surrounded water,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      965<\/td>\ndenique cera liquefit in eius posta uapore.<\/td>\nfinally wax melts when placed in its heat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      966<\/td>\nfrigidus et calidus pariter tunc dicitur ignis.<\/td>\nCold and hot fire are then spoken of alike.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      967<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nihil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that nothing is which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      968<\/td>\nnunc age, quo pacto fiat uti ferrea uis<\/td>\nNow come, in what way it happens that the power of iron<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      969<\/td>\npossit ad hunc lapidem uenire, expediamus.<\/td>\ncan come to this stone, let us explain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      970<\/td>\nprincipio fluere e lapide hoc quoniamque necessest<\/td>\nFirst, it must be that from this stone there flows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      971<\/td>\neffluat ambrosias quasi uero et nectare tinctus<\/td>\na stream as if indeed tinged with ambrosia and nectar,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      972<\/td>\nseminibus multis uis magna et aestus aquai<\/td>\na great power and a surge of water with many seeds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      973<\/td>\nqui uicinitatem lapidis discindat inanem.<\/td>\nwhich may split the void neighborhood of the stone.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      974<\/td>\nquod ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      975<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      976<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      977<\/td>\nhuc accedit uti nil sit quod non sit inane.<\/td>\nTo this is added that there is nothing which is not void.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      978<\/td>\net quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nAnd since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      979<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      980<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      981<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      982<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      983<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      984<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      985<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      986<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      987<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      988<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      989<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      990<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      991<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      992<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      993<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      994<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      995<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      996<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      997<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      998<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      999<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1000<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1001<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1002<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1003<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1004<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1005<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1006<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1007<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1008<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1009<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1010<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1011<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1012<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1013<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1014<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1015<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1016<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1017<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1018<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1019<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1020<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1021<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1022<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1023<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1024<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1025<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1026<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1027<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1028<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1029<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1030<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1031<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1032<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1033<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1034<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1035<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1036<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1037<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1038<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1039<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1040<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1041<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1042<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1043<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1044<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1045<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1046<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1047<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1048<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1049<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1050<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1051<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1052<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1053<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1054<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1055<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1056<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1057<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1058<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1059<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1060<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1061<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1062<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1063<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1064<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1065<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1066<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1067<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1068<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1069<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1070<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1071<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1072<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1073<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1074<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1075<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1076<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1077<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1078<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1079<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1080<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1081<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1082<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1083<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1084<\/td>\nconfluunt et nexu nectuntur corpora prima.<\/td>\ninto the void, flow together and the first bodies are bound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1085<\/td>\nfit quoque uti ferrum possit moueatur in altum.<\/td>\nIt happens also that the iron can be moved on high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1086<\/td>\nnam quoniam raras res omnis esse uidemus,<\/td>\nFor since we see that all things are porous,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1087<\/td>\nnecesse est uti res quaeque in se habeant inane.<\/td>\nit is necessary that each thing should have void in itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1088<\/td>\nhoc ubi est ita factum, uacuus locus extat inane.<\/td>\nWhen this is so done, a vacant place, a void, stands out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1089<\/td>\nextemplo in uacuum ferri primordia lapsa<\/td>\nAt once the first-beginnings of iron, having slipped<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      3. Critical Apparatus: Manuscript Tradition (Codices)<\/h2>\n

      The reconstruction of the text of Lucretius relies upon a small number of primary witnesses from the 9th century, preserved through the Carolingian Renaissance and the scholarly efforts of the Alcuin school.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Codex Oblongus (O):<\/b>\u00a0This 9th-century manuscript (Leidensis Vossianus Latinus Fol. 30) is the cornerstone of our tradition. It originated in the library of St. Martin in Mainz, produced under the influence of the Alcuin school in Carolingian minuscules. A crucial historical link exists here: Rabanus Maurus, a pupil of Alcuin and administrator at Fulda, likely utilized this very codex during his tenure at Mainz. It features corrections from the \u201cSaxon\u201d corrector (O\u02e2<\/b>), who worked from the insular archetype.<\/li>\n
      • Codex Quadratus (Q):<\/b>\u00a0Also of the 9th century (Leidensis Vossianus Quadratus 94), it formerly belonged to the Monastery of St. Bertin. It is characterized by its bipartite pages (two columns) and represents a second branch of the tradition. Like O, it descends from a lost \u201cinsular\u201d archetype, likely of Anglo-Saxon or Irish origin.<\/li>\n
      • The Schedae (G and V\/U):<\/b>\u00a0These are fragments of larger manuscripts belonging to the same family as Q.\n
          \n
        • Sched\u00e6 Haunienses (G):<\/b>\u00a0Eight leaves held in Copenhagen, preserving portions of the early books.<\/li>\n
        • Sched\u00e6 Vindobonenses (V and U):<\/b>\u00a0These ten leaves, housed in Vienna, are often grouped together but are actually fragments of two distinct manuscripts of the 9th and 10th centuries, as evidenced by their different parchment forms and line counts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          4. Critical Apparatus: Testimonia (Ancient Witnesses)<\/h2>\n

          The literary and philosophical stature of Lucretius is confirmed by the citations of major ancient authors.<\/p>\n

          Cicero:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cThe poems of Lucretius are as you write: they exhibit many lights of genius, yet also much art\u201d (multis luminibus ingeni, multae tamen artis<\/i>). (Letter to Quintus, II 9, 3<\/i>)<\/p>\n

          Ovid:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cThe poems of the sublime Lucretius shall only perish then, when one day shall give the earth over to destruction\u201d (carmina sublimis tunc sunt peritura Lucreti \/ exitio terras cum dabit una dies<\/i>). (Amores I 15, 23<\/i>)<\/p>\n

          Vitruvius:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cMany in the future will seem to dispute with Lucretius face to face concerning the nature of things, as they will with Cicero concerning rhetoric, or with Varro concerning the Latin language.\u201d (De Architectura IX, Praefatio 17<\/i>)<\/p>\n

          Quintilian:<\/b>\u00a0\u201cMacer and Lucretius are indeed to be read\u2026 they are elegant in their own subject matter, but the one is humble, the other difficult.\u201d (Institutio Oratoria X 1, 87<\/i>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"menu_order":45,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-107","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":18,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/107\/revisions\/108"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/18"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/107\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=107"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=107"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}