{"id":79,"date":"2026-06-15T16:48:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T15:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/chapter\/lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-v-lines-235-415\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T14:34:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T13:34:31","slug":"lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-v-lines-235-415","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/chapter\/lucretius-de-rerum-natura-book-v-lines-235-415\/","title":{"raw":"Lucretius, De rerum natura, Book V (Lines 235\u2013415)","rendered":"Lucretius, De rerum natura, Book V (Lines 235\u2013415)"},"content":{"raw":"
1. Introduction: The Enduring Resonance of Lucretius<\/span>\n\n<\/header>The didactic epic of Lucretius occupies a singular place in the history of ideas, serving as both a foundational text of ancient atomism and a masterpiece of Latin hexameter. In his 1924 foreword to the edition by Hermann Diels, Albert Einstein observed that the poem works a specific \u201cmagic\u201d on those who find themselves \u201cspectators\u201d of their own age, isolated from the intellectual prejudices of their contemporaries. Einstein particularly admired Lucretius\u2019s \u201cscientific and speculative curiosity\u201d and his unwavering \u201cconfidence in the causal connectedness\u201d of natural phenomena, predicated upon the \u201cregular motion of immutable atoms.\u201d For Einstein, Lucretius represents the triumph of an independent mind reconstructing the world from first principles without the aid of modern instruments.\n\nThis intellectual rigor is matched by a storied physical transmission. In a 2014 interview, the naturalist David Attenborough identified the 1515 Aldine edition of Lucretius\u2014printed in Venice by Aldus Manutius\u2014as one of his most \u201cprecious books.\u201d Attenborough praised the volume\u2019s \u201cwonderfully elegant italic script typeface,\u201d noting that such books function as \u201cmemes\u201d in the Dawkinsian sense: vessels in which \u201chuman experience is embedded and handed down from generation to generation, outside the body.\u201d\n\nThe following module examines a critical movement in Book V (lines 235\u2013415). Here, Lucretius demonstrates the mortality of the cosmos by proving the mortality of its constituent elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Adopting the atomistic-mechanical worldview, he argues that because the parts of the universe are subject to birth and decay, the whole must inevitably share the same fate.\n

2. Parallel Text and Commentary: The Mortality of the World<\/h2>\nThe text below follows the 1923 Hermann Diels edition (T. Lucreti Cari De rerum natura libri sex<\/i>), maintaining the editor\u2019s preference for \u2018u\u2019 over \u2018v\u2019 to reflect the orthographic standards of the manuscript tradition.\n

I. CVI PARS NATIVA SIT, TOTVM NATIVVM ESSE (239a)<\/h3>\nLines 235\u2013250<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Principio quoniam terrai corpus et umor<\/i><\/td>\nIn the first place, since the body of earth and water,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aurarumque leues animae calidique uapores,<\/i><\/td>\nand the light breath of air and the burning heat of fire,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
e quibus haec rerum consistere summa uidetur,<\/i><\/td>\nof which this sum of things is seen to consist,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
omnes natiuo ac mortali corpore constant,<\/i><\/td>\nare all composed of a body that is born and mortal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
debet eodem omnis mundi natura putari.<\/i><\/td>\nof the same nature must the whole world be thought to be.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quippe etenim quorum partes et membra uidemus<\/i><\/td>\nFor indeed, things whose parts and members we see<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
corpore natiuo ac mortalibus esse figuris,<\/i><\/td>\nto be of native body and of mortal forms,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
haec eadem uulgo quoque cernimus esse creata<\/i><\/td>\nthese same things we perceive are always likewise born<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
atque interitu letique uicissim.<\/i><\/td>\nand likewise subject to death and destruction.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quapropter mundi quoniam nataliu membra<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore, since I see that the great members<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et perire uideo, debet caelum quoque totum<\/i><\/td>\nand parts of the world are consumed and born again,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et terra habere exordium casumque diei.<\/i><\/td>\nthe heaven likewise and the earth must have had<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
illud in his rebus ne me corripuisse rearis,<\/i><\/td>\na time of beginning and must have a time of end.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod terram atque ignem mortalia sumpserim esse<\/i><\/td>\nAnd herein, do not think I have snatched at this<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec dubitarem auram nitere atque umorem,<\/i><\/td>\nbecause I assumed earth and fire are mortal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
esse et eadem rursus gigni crescereque.<\/i><\/td>\nand did not doubt that air and water perish and are born again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

II. DE TERRA (250a)<\/h3>\nLines 251\u2013260<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Principio pars terrai perusta solibus<\/i><\/td>\nFirst, some part of the earth, parched by constant suns,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
adsiduis, multa puluis caligine effertur,<\/i><\/td>\nis blown away in a cloud of dust and thick mist,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
uolantes uenti dispersam per aera uerrunt.<\/i><\/td>\nwhich the strong winds scatter through the air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
pars etiam glebarum ad diluuiem reuocatur<\/i><\/td>\nPart of the soil, too, is called back to flood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
imbribus et riui radentia flumina rodunt.<\/i><\/td>\nby the rains, and the rivers gnaw and eat away the banks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
praeterea quicquid terras alit auget,<\/i><\/td>\nMoreover, whatever the earth nourishes and increases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
redditur; et quoniam dubio procul esse uidetur<\/i><\/td>\nis returned to it; and since it is seen beyond doubt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
omnipotens genetrix eadem maestumque sepulcrum,<\/i><\/td>\nthat the earth is the universal mother and the common grave,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ergo terra tibi libatur et aucta recrescit.<\/i><\/td>\ntherefore the earth is diminished and grows again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

III. DE AQVA (260a)<\/h3>\nLines 261\u2013272<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quod superest, umore nouo mare flumina fontis<\/i><\/td>\nFor the rest, that the sea, rivers, and fountains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
semper abundare et latices manare perennis<\/i><\/td>\nalways abound with new water and flow in perennial streams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nil opus est uerbis: magnus decursus aquarum<\/i><\/td>\nthere is no need of words: the great downflow of waters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
undique declarat. sed primum quicquid aquai<\/i><\/td>\non every side declares it. But the topmost layer of water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
tollitur in summaque fit ut nil umor abundet,<\/i><\/td>\nis always taken away, so the water never exceeds its sum,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
partim quod ualidi uerrentes aequora uenti<\/i><\/td>\npartly because the strong winds sweeping the seas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
deminuunt radiisque retexens aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\ndiminish it, and the ethereal sun unweaves it with his rays,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
partim quod subter per terras diditur omnis.<\/i><\/td>\npartly because it is distributed through all the earth beneath.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
percolatur enim uirus retroque remittit<\/i><\/td>\nThe salt is filtered out and the water flows back,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
materies umoris et ad caput amnibus omnis<\/i><\/td>\nand the matter of the water meets at the head of every river,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
confluit, inde super terras fluit agmine dulci<\/i><\/td>\nwhence it flows over the lands in a sweet stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
qua uia semel uia secta semel liquido pede detulit undas.<\/i><\/td>\nalong the path once cut for it by its liquid foot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

IV. DE AERE SIVE ANIMA (272a)<\/h3>\nLines 273\u2013280<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Postremo de terra quicquid regit aer,<\/i><\/td>\nNext, the air, which in its whole body<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
toto corpore qui mutatur in horas.<\/i><\/td>\nis changed every hour in countless ways.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
propterea quoniam quicquid fluit rebus,<\/i><\/td>\nFor whatever flows off from things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aeris in magnum fertur mare; quapropter,<\/i><\/td>\nis all carried into the great sea of air; wherefore,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nisi retribuat res rursusque recreet<\/i><\/td>\nunless the air gave back to things and recreated them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fluat, omnia iam resoluta forent in aera.<\/i><\/td>\nas they flowed away, all would have been resolved into air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
haut igitur cessat gigni de rebus et in res<\/i><\/td>\nAir, then, never ceases to be born from things and return to them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
recidere, adsidue quoniam fluere omnia constat.<\/i><\/td>\nsince it is certain that all things are in constant flux.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

V. DE IGNI ET SOLE (280a)<\/h3>\nLines 281\u2013293<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Largus item liquidi fons luminis, aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\nLikewise that large fountain of liquid light, the ethereal sun,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
inrigat adsidue caelum candore recenti<\/i><\/td>\nfloods the heaven constantly with fresh brightness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
suppeditatque nouo confestim lumine lumen.<\/i><\/td>\nand instantly supplies new light to follow light.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nam primum quicquid fulgoris deperit ei,<\/i><\/td>\nFor whatever of its radiance first falls, is lost to it,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quocumque accidit. id licet hinc cognoscere possis,<\/i><\/td>\nwherever it hits. This you may learn from this:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod simul ac primum nubes succedere soli<\/i><\/td>\nthat as soon as clouds begin to pass below the sun<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
coepere et quasi radii interrumpere lucis,<\/i><\/td>\nand, so to speak, break off the rays of light,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
extemplo inferior pars cassum lumine fati,<\/i><\/td>\nimmediately the lower part of the light perishes,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et terra obducitur umbra, quacumque nubes feruntur;<\/i><\/td>\nand the earth is covered by shadow wherever the clouds go;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ut noscas rebus perpetuo indigere nouo<\/i><\/td>\nso you may know that things constantly require new light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et primum quicquid fulgoris perire,<\/i><\/td>\nand that every first-born radiance dies,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec ratione alia res possint in sole uideri,<\/i><\/td>\nand in no other way could things be seen in the sun,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
subpeditet nisi fons ipse aeternum nouum lumen.<\/i><\/td>\nunless the fountain-head itself supplied new light forever.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

VI. DE LAMPADE ET LVCERNA (293a)<\/h3>\nLines 294\u2013305<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quin etiam nocturna tibi, terrestria quae sunt<\/i><\/td>\nEven so, those nightly lights of yours that are on earth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lumina, pendentes lychni claraeque coruscis<\/i><\/td>\nthe hanging lamps and torches bright with flickering<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fulguribus pingues multa caligine taedae<\/i><\/td>\nflashes and thick with smoke,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
consimili properant ratione nouum lumen<\/i><\/td>\nhasten in like manner to supply new light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ministrare, ardore tremere, trepido,<\/i><\/td>\nwith their heat, and to tremble with their flickering;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec loca deseri<\/i><\/td>\nnor is the place ever deserted<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
interrumpere cessat; ita festinat<\/i><\/td>\nnor does the light cease to be broken off; so fast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
exitium celeri celatur origine flammae.<\/i><\/td>\nis its death hidden by the swift birth of flame.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
sic igitur solem lunam stellasque putandumst<\/i><\/td>\nSo then we must believe the sun, moon, and stars<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ex alio atque alio lucem iactare exortu<\/i><\/td>\nthrow out their light from ever-new births,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et primum quicquid flammarum perdere semper;<\/i><\/td>\nand always lose whatever first-born fire they have;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
inuictis quoniam credas uincuntur.<\/i><\/td>\nlest you should believe they are unconquerable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

VII. DE AEDIFICIIS, QVEMADMODVM INTEREANT (305a)<\/h3>\nLines 306\u2013323<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Denique non lapides quoque uinci cernis ab aeuo,<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, do you not see that even stones are conquered by time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
non altas turris ruere et caua saxa fatisci,<\/i><\/td>\nthat high towers fall and rocks crumble to decay,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec delubra deum simulacraque fessa fatisci<\/i><\/td>\nthat the shrines and images of the gods grow tired and crack,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec sanctum numen fati protollere finis<\/i><\/td>\nnor can their holy power extend the boundaries of fate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
posse neque aduersus naturae foedera niti?<\/i><\/td>\nnor struggle against the laws of nature?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
denique monumenta uirum dilapsa uidemus,<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, we see the monuments of men fallen to ruin,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quaerere proporro sibi sene senescere credas.<\/i><\/td>\nand you might believe they ask if they too may grow old.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nonne uides etiam silices ita uerti ab aeuo,<\/i><\/td>\nDo you not see even flints are turned by time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
non ualidas aeui uires uincere ferrum<\/i><\/td>\nand the strong powers of age conquer iron,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec silices aeui uires uincere possint?<\/i><\/td>\nnor can the flints withstand the strength of age?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nonne uides etiam silices ita uerti ab aeuo?<\/i><\/td>\nDo you not see the very rocks are turned by time?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
qui cadit repente, si non<\/i><\/td>\nThey would not fall suddenly, if they<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
priore aeuo uicti<\/i><\/td>\nhad not been conquered by the preceding age<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
perculsi essent; neque enim<\/i><\/td>\nand struck down; for indeed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
repentina ruina<\/i><\/td>\na sudden ruin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
accidat, ubi non<\/i><\/td>\ncould not happen, where<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
omnia ante uicta<\/i><\/td>\nall things had not been conquered before<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
per omnia aeui.<\/i><\/td>\nthrough all the lengths of time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

VIII. QVARE NATA OMNIA DICAT (323a)<\/h3>\nLines 324\u2013350<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Denique si nulla fuit genitalis origo<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, if there was no birth-time of earth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
terrarum et caeli semperque aeterna fuere,<\/i><\/td>\nand heaven, and they have always been eternal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
cur supra bellum Thebanum et funera Troiae<\/i><\/td>\nwhy before the Theban war and the destruction of Troy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
non alias alii quoque res cecinere poetae?<\/i><\/td>\nhave other poets not sung of other themes as well?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quo tot facta uirum totiens cecidere neque usquam<\/i><\/td>\nWhither have so many deeds of men so often fallen,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aeternis uatum monumentis insita florent?<\/i><\/td>\nand why do they not bloom, planted in eternal monuments of bards?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
uerum, ut opinor, habet nouitatem summa recensque<\/i><\/td>\nBut, as I think, the sum of things is new, and the nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
natura est mundi neque pridem exordia cepit.<\/i><\/td>\nof the world is fresh and had its beginning not long ago.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quapropter quaedam nunc etiam perpoliuntur<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore even now some arts are being polished,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nunc etiam augecsunt; nunc multum peruenit usus<\/i><\/td>\neven now they are increasing; much has recently been added<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nauigiis, nuper deuicta carmina rursus<\/i><\/td>\nto ships, and but lately musicians have given birth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
organici peperere; denique natura haec<\/i><\/td>\nto tuneful melodies; finally, this nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
rerum inuenta est nuper, et hanc primus cum primis<\/i><\/td>\nof things was discovered lately, and I myself among the first<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ipse reperta ego sum in patrias qui possim uertere uoces.<\/i><\/td>\nhave been found able to turn it into our native tongue.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod si forte fuisse antehac eadem omnia credis,<\/i><\/td>\nBut if by chance you believe that all these things existed before,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
sed periisse hominum generatim saecla uapore,<\/i><\/td>\nbut that the generations of men perished in some great heat,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut cecidisse urbis magno uexamine mundi,<\/i><\/td>\nor that cities fell by some great shaking of the world,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut ex imbribus adsiduis exisse rapaces<\/i><\/td>\nor that from constant rains the greedy rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
per terras amnis atque oppida operuisse,<\/i><\/td>\nissued over the earth and overwhelmed the towns,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
tanto magis uictu fateri fata necessest<\/i><\/td>\nso much the more you must be conquered and confess<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
exitium quoque terrai caelique futurum.<\/i><\/td>\nthat there will be a destruction of earth and heaven too.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nam cum res tantis morbis tantisque periclis<\/i><\/td>\nFor when things were being buffeted by such great diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
temptarentur, ibi si tristior incidit uis,<\/i><\/td>\nand dangers, if a more dismal force had then fallen on them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
late darent cladem uastamque ruinam.<\/i><\/td>\nthey would have dealt destruction and vast ruin far and wide.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec ratione alia nos esse mortales<\/i><\/td>\nAnd in no other way are we seen to be mortal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
intellegimus, nisi quod uicissim<\/i><\/td>\nexcept that we fall sick of the same diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aegrescimus cum illis quos natura remouit.<\/i><\/td>\nas those whom nature has removed from life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

IX. QVARE AETERNITAS ESSE POSSIT (350a)<\/h3>\nLines 351\u2013375<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Praeterea quae cumque manent aeterna necessest<\/i><\/td>\nMoreover, whatever things remain eternal must either,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut, quia sunt solido cum corpore, respuere ictus<\/i><\/td>\nbecause they are of solid body, repel strokes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec sinere in se quicquam penetrare, quod possit<\/i><\/td>\nand not allow anything to penetrate them, which could<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
artas dissipare intus partis, ut inania<\/i><\/td>\nunbind the close-joined parts within, as the atoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
sunt corpora, quorum iam ante ostendimus naturam,<\/i><\/td>\nare, whose nature we have shown before;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut ideo durare aetatem posse per omnem,<\/i><\/td>\nor they must be able to endure through all time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
plagis quia sunt expertia, sicut inane est,<\/i><\/td>\nbecause they are free from strokes, as the void is,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod manet intactum neque ab ictu fungitur hilum,<\/i><\/td>\nwhich remains untouched and is not affected by any stroke;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut etiam quia nulla loci fit copia circum,<\/i><\/td>\nor also because there is no lack of space around them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quo res possint dissilire et dissolui,<\/i><\/td>\ninto which things might fly apart and be dissolved,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
sicut summarum summa est aeterna, neque extra<\/i><\/td>\neven as the sum of sums is eternal, nor is there any place<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quis locus est quo dissiliant neque corpora sunt quae<\/i><\/td>\noutside into which they may fly apart, nor bodies which<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
possint incidere et ualida dissoluere plaga.<\/i><\/td>\nmay fall upon them and dissolve them with a strong blow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
at neque, uti docui, solido cum corpore mundi<\/i><\/td>\nBut, as I have shown, neither is the nature of the world<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
natura est, quoniam admixtum est in rebus inane,<\/i><\/td>\nof solid body, since void is mixed in things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec tamen est ut inane, neque autem corpora desunt,<\/i><\/td>\nnor yet is it like the void, nor are there wanting bodies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ex infinito quae possint forte coorta<\/i><\/td>\nwhich, rising by chance from the infinite,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
uastare hanc rerum summam uiolento turbine<\/i><\/td>\nmight overwhelm this sum of things with a violent whirlwind<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut aliam quamuis cladem inportare pericli,<\/i><\/td>\nor bring upon it some other form of dangerous disaster;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec porro natura loci spatiumque profundi<\/i><\/td>\nnor again is the nature of space and the extent of the deep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
deest, quo possint mundi moenia dissipari,<\/i><\/td>\nwanting, into which the walls of the world might be scattered,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut alia quauis possint ui pulsa perire.<\/i><\/td>\nor be struck and perish by any other force.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
haut igitur leti praeclusa est ianua caelo<\/i><\/td>\nTherefore the gate of death is not closed to the heaven,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nec soli terraeque neque altis aequoris undis,<\/i><\/td>\nnor to the sun and earth, nor to the deep waters of the sea,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
sed patet immani et uasto respectat hiatu.<\/i><\/td>\nbut it stands open and waits with a huge and vast gaping mouth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

X. ET NATIVA ESSE CVM SINT MORTALIA (375a)<\/h3>\nLines 376\u2013395<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quapropter quoniam patefactast ianua leti,<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore, since the gate of death is open,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
haec quoque natiua esse quoque confitere necessest;<\/i><\/td>\nyou must likewise confess that these things have a birth-time;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
neque enim mortali corpore quae sunt,<\/i><\/td>\nfor things which are of mortal body<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ex infinito iam tempore adhuc potuissent<\/i><\/td>\ncould not have been able from infinite time until now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ualidas aeui uires contemnere uictas.<\/i><\/td>\nto despise the strong powers of age and remain unconquered.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
denique tantopere cum magna inter se membra<\/i><\/td>\nFinally, since the great members of the world<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
pugnent, inpio nequaquam bello uexata,<\/i><\/td>\nfight so fiercely among themselves, stirred by unholy war,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nonne uides aliquam longi certaminis ollis<\/i><\/td>\ndo you not see that some end of their long struggle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
posse dari finem? uel cum sol et uapor omnis<\/i><\/td>\nmay be given to them? either when the sun and all heat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
omnibus epotis umoribus uicerit,<\/i><\/td>\nshall have conquered by drinking up all the waters\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod facere intendit, neque adhuc conata patrauit:<\/i><\/td>\nwhich they strive to do, though they have not yet succeeded:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
tantum suppeditant amnes ultraque minantur<\/i><\/td>\nso much do the rivers supply, and threaten moreover<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
omnia diluuiare ex alto gurgite ponti;<\/i><\/td>\nto flood everything from the deep abyss of the sea;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nequiquam, quoniam uerrentes aequora uenti<\/i><\/td>\nall in vain, since the winds sweeping the seas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
deminuunt radiisque retexens aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\ndiminish them, and the ethereal sun unweaving them with his rays,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
et confidunt omnia posse siccare<\/i><\/td>\nand they trust they can dry up all things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
prius quam umor possit ad finem destinatum.<\/i><\/td>\nbefore the water can reach its destined end.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
tantopere spirantes bellum certamine aequo<\/i><\/td>\nSo much do they breathe out war in equal struggle,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
pugnant inter se de casu.<\/i><\/td>\nfighting among themselves for the final fall.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

XI. DE PHAETHONTE SOLIS FILIO (395a)<\/h3>\nLines 396\u2013415<\/i>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ignis enim superauit et ambussit multorum<\/i><\/td>\nFor once fire was the victor and burnt many things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
saecla, et umor quondam, ut fama est, dominatus in aruis.<\/i><\/td>\nand water once, as the story goes, held dominion over the fields.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
superat et ambussit multorum<\/i><\/td>\nFire was the victor and burnt many things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
saecla, ubi solis equi de uia flexere,<\/i><\/td>\nwhen the horses of the sun turned from the path,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
per totum caelum terrasque uagebantur.<\/i><\/td>\nand wandered through the whole heaven and over the lands.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
at pater omnipotens ira tum percitus acri<\/i><\/td>\nBut the almighty father, then stirred by sharp anger,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
magnanimum Phaethonta repenti fulminis ictu<\/i><\/td>\nstruck down high-souled Phaethon with a sudden stroke of lightning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
deturbauit equis in terram, solque cadenti<\/i><\/td>\nfrom his horses to the earth, and the sun, meeting him as he fell,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
obuius aeternam succepit lampada mundi<\/i><\/td>\ncaught the eternal lamp of the world,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
disiectosque redegit equos iunxitque trementis;<\/i><\/td>\nand brought back the scattered horses and yoked them trembling;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
inde suum per iter recreauit cuncta gubernans,<\/i><\/td>\nthen along his own path he recreated all things, guiding them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
scilicet ut ueteres Graium cecinere poetae.<\/i><\/td>\neven as the old poets of the Greeks have sung.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
quod procul a uera rationis longe uidetur.<\/i><\/td>\nBut this is far removed from the true reason.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ignis enim superare potest ubi plura<\/i><\/td>\nFor fire can be the victor when more atoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ex infinito sunt corpora materiai,<\/i><\/td>\nof its matter have risen from the infinite,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
inde uicta rursus uiribus cessit,<\/i><\/td>\nthen its strength was conquered and it yielded again,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aut pereunt res exusto aere uapore.<\/i><\/td>\nor things perish, burnt up by the scorching air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. Critical Apparatus: Testimonia and Codices<\/h2>\nThe scholarly value of the Diels 1923 edition lies in its meticulous reconstruction of the text\u2019s history, a process that Einstein characterized as the work of an \u201cindependent man equipped with lively senses and reasoning.\u201d\n

Testimonia<\/h3>\nThe ancient witnesses to Lucretius\u2019s genius corroborate the \u201cscientific and speculative curiosity\u201d that Einstein identified. These accounts emphasize the poet\u2019s immediate, almost confrontational, engagement with reality:\n
    \n \t
  • Cicero (<\/b>Ad Quintum fratrem<\/b><\/i>\u00a0II 9,3):<\/b>\u00a0In a letter from February 54 BCE, Cicero remarks that the poem is distinguished by \u201cmany flashes of genius\u201d (multis luminibus ingeni<\/i>) yet also by \u201cmuch art\u201d (multae tamen artis<\/i>).<\/li>\n \t
  • Vitruvius (<\/b>De architectura<\/b><\/i>\u00a0IX Praef. 16):<\/b>\u00a0The architect-scholar describes Lucretius as one who appears to \u201cdispute face to face about the nature of things\u201d (coram de rerum natura disputare<\/i>), a phrasing that mirrors Einstein\u2019s view of the poet as an active observer of the \u201ccausal connectedness\u201d of the world.<\/li>\n \t
  • Cornelius Nepos (<\/b>Atticus<\/b><\/i>\u00a012,4):<\/b>\u00a0Places Lucretius among the most elegant poets of his generation, underscoring the aesthetic appeal that would later captivate figures like Attenborough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Codices<\/h3>\nThe manuscript tradition is a testament to the \u201cmemes\u201d of the Carolingian Renaissance, where the 9th-century scripts served as the bridge from antiquity to the modern age.\n
      \n \t
    • The Insular Archetype:<\/b>\u00a0The tradition stems from a lost archetype of \u201cinsular origin\u201d (likely 7th-century Irish or Anglo-Saxon), which Diels posits was transcribed into the beautiful Carolingian minuscule of the schools of Alcuin.<\/li>\n \t
    • Codex Oblongus (O):<\/b>\u00a0A 9th-century manuscript formerly at the monastery of St. Martin in Mainz. It is the primary authority, yet even it contains the hallmarks of fallible transmission, such as the famous error\u00a0ORALATVM<\/i>\u00a0for\u00a0ornatum<\/i>.<\/li>\n \t
    • Codex Quadratus (Q):<\/b>\u00a0Also 9th-century, from the monastery of St. Bertin. It represents a slightly different family of the tradition. Diels notes that where\u00a0O<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0Q<\/i>\u00a0diverge, the error often stems from the scribe\u2019s inability to decipher the script of the common insular ancestor.<\/li>\n \t
    • Codicological Variations:<\/b>\u00a0The manuscripts frequently exhibit\u00a0rubrication<\/i>, where spaces left by the initial scribe (who could not read the archetype) were later filled with red ink (minium<\/i>). This process often introduced further corruptions into the technical atomistic descriptions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      4. Bibliographic and Technical Metadata for Pressbooks<\/h2>\n

      Digital Object Metadata<\/h3>\n
        \n \t
      • Source Citation (Latin Text):<\/b>\n
          \n \t
        • T. Lucreti Cari De rerum natura libri sex<\/i>. Edited and emended by Hermann Diels. Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1923.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t
        • Source Citation (Foreword):<\/b>\n
            \n \t
          • Lukrez, Von der Natur<\/i>. Translated by Hermann Diels, with a Foreword by Albert Einstein. Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1924.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t
          • Aldine Edition Citation:<\/b>\n
              \n \t
            • Lucretius Carus, Titus.\u00a0De rerum natura<\/i>. Venice: Aldus Manutius, 1515.<\/li>\n \t
            • Physical Description:<\/b>\u00a0Octavo; 266 pages; 91 x 160 mm.<\/li>\n \t
            • Typography:<\/b>\u00a0Notable for the introduction of the Aldine italic script, as referenced in the SFU Library and by David Attenborough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t
            • Technical Specifications:<\/b>\n
                \n \t
              • All Latin terminology and text in this document are\u00a0italicized<\/i>.<\/li>\n \t
              • Headings follow a hierarchical structure (H1, H2, H3) to ensure seamless compatibility with Pressbooks\u2019 CSS and accessibility standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>","rendered":"
                1. Introduction: The Enduring Resonance of Lucretius<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n

                The didactic epic of Lucretius occupies a singular place in the history of ideas, serving as both a foundational text of ancient atomism and a masterpiece of Latin hexameter. In his 1924 foreword to the edition by Hermann Diels, Albert Einstein observed that the poem works a specific \u201cmagic\u201d on those who find themselves \u201cspectators\u201d of their own age, isolated from the intellectual prejudices of their contemporaries. Einstein particularly admired Lucretius\u2019s \u201cscientific and speculative curiosity\u201d and his unwavering \u201cconfidence in the causal connectedness\u201d of natural phenomena, predicated upon the \u201cregular motion of immutable atoms.\u201d For Einstein, Lucretius represents the triumph of an independent mind reconstructing the world from first principles without the aid of modern instruments.<\/p>\n

                This intellectual rigor is matched by a storied physical transmission. In a 2014 interview, the naturalist David Attenborough identified the 1515 Aldine edition of Lucretius\u2014printed in Venice by Aldus Manutius\u2014as one of his most \u201cprecious books.\u201d Attenborough praised the volume\u2019s \u201cwonderfully elegant italic script typeface,\u201d noting that such books function as \u201cmemes\u201d in the Dawkinsian sense: vessels in which \u201chuman experience is embedded and handed down from generation to generation, outside the body.\u201d<\/p>\n

                The following module examines a critical movement in Book V (lines 235\u2013415). Here, Lucretius demonstrates the mortality of the cosmos by proving the mortality of its constituent elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Adopting the atomistic-mechanical worldview, he argues that because the parts of the universe are subject to birth and decay, the whole must inevitably share the same fate.<\/p>\n

                2. Parallel Text and Commentary: The Mortality of the World<\/h2>\n

                The text below follows the 1923 Hermann Diels edition (T. Lucreti Cari De rerum natura libri sex<\/i>), maintaining the editor\u2019s preference for \u2018u\u2019 over \u2018v\u2019 to reflect the orthographic standards of the manuscript tradition.<\/p>\n

                I. CVI PARS NATIVA SIT, TOTVM NATIVVM ESSE (239a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 235\u2013250<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Principio quoniam terrai corpus et umor<\/i><\/td>\nIn the first place, since the body of earth and water,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aurarumque leues animae calidique uapores,<\/i><\/td>\nand the light breath of air and the burning heat of fire,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                e quibus haec rerum consistere summa uidetur,<\/i><\/td>\nof which this sum of things is seen to consist,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                omnes natiuo ac mortali corpore constant,<\/i><\/td>\nare all composed of a body that is born and mortal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                debet eodem omnis mundi natura putari.<\/i><\/td>\nof the same nature must the whole world be thought to be.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quippe etenim quorum partes et membra uidemus<\/i><\/td>\nFor indeed, things whose parts and members we see<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                corpore natiuo ac mortalibus esse figuris,<\/i><\/td>\nto be of native body and of mortal forms,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                haec eadem uulgo quoque cernimus esse creata<\/i><\/td>\nthese same things we perceive are always likewise born<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                atque interitu letique uicissim.<\/i><\/td>\nand likewise subject to death and destruction.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quapropter mundi quoniam nataliu membra<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore, since I see that the great members<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et perire uideo, debet caelum quoque totum<\/i><\/td>\nand parts of the world are consumed and born again,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et terra habere exordium casumque diei.<\/i><\/td>\nthe heaven likewise and the earth must have had<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                illud in his rebus ne me corripuisse rearis,<\/i><\/td>\na time of beginning and must have a time of end.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod terram atque ignem mortalia sumpserim esse<\/i><\/td>\nAnd herein, do not think I have snatched at this<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec dubitarem auram nitere atque umorem,<\/i><\/td>\nbecause I assumed earth and fire are mortal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                esse et eadem rursus gigni crescereque.<\/i><\/td>\nand did not doubt that air and water perish and are born again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                II. DE TERRA (250a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 251\u2013260<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Principio pars terrai perusta solibus<\/i><\/td>\nFirst, some part of the earth, parched by constant suns,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                adsiduis, multa puluis caligine effertur,<\/i><\/td>\nis blown away in a cloud of dust and thick mist,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                uolantes uenti dispersam per aera uerrunt.<\/i><\/td>\nwhich the strong winds scatter through the air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                pars etiam glebarum ad diluuiem reuocatur<\/i><\/td>\nPart of the soil, too, is called back to flood<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                imbribus et riui radentia flumina rodunt.<\/i><\/td>\nby the rains, and the rivers gnaw and eat away the banks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                praeterea quicquid terras alit auget,<\/i><\/td>\nMoreover, whatever the earth nourishes and increases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                redditur; et quoniam dubio procul esse uidetur<\/i><\/td>\nis returned to it; and since it is seen beyond doubt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                omnipotens genetrix eadem maestumque sepulcrum,<\/i><\/td>\nthat the earth is the universal mother and the common grave,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ergo terra tibi libatur et aucta recrescit.<\/i><\/td>\ntherefore the earth is diminished and grows again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                III. DE AQVA (260a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 261\u2013272<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Quod superest, umore nouo mare flumina fontis<\/i><\/td>\nFor the rest, that the sea, rivers, and fountains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                semper abundare et latices manare perennis<\/i><\/td>\nalways abound with new water and flow in perennial streams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nil opus est uerbis: magnus decursus aquarum<\/i><\/td>\nthere is no need of words: the great downflow of waters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                undique declarat. sed primum quicquid aquai<\/i><\/td>\non every side declares it. But the topmost layer of water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                tollitur in summaque fit ut nil umor abundet,<\/i><\/td>\nis always taken away, so the water never exceeds its sum,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                partim quod ualidi uerrentes aequora uenti<\/i><\/td>\npartly because the strong winds sweeping the seas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                deminuunt radiisque retexens aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\ndiminish it, and the ethereal sun unweaves it with his rays,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                partim quod subter per terras diditur omnis.<\/i><\/td>\npartly because it is distributed through all the earth beneath.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                percolatur enim uirus retroque remittit<\/i><\/td>\nThe salt is filtered out and the water flows back,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                materies umoris et ad caput amnibus omnis<\/i><\/td>\nand the matter of the water meets at the head of every river,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                confluit, inde super terras fluit agmine dulci<\/i><\/td>\nwhence it flows over the lands in a sweet stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                qua uia semel uia secta semel liquido pede detulit undas.<\/i><\/td>\nalong the path once cut for it by its liquid foot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                IV. DE AERE SIVE ANIMA (272a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 273\u2013280<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Postremo de terra quicquid regit aer,<\/i><\/td>\nNext, the air, which in its whole body<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                toto corpore qui mutatur in horas.<\/i><\/td>\nis changed every hour in countless ways.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                propterea quoniam quicquid fluit rebus,<\/i><\/td>\nFor whatever flows off from things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aeris in magnum fertur mare; quapropter,<\/i><\/td>\nis all carried into the great sea of air; wherefore,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nisi retribuat res rursusque recreet<\/i><\/td>\nunless the air gave back to things and recreated them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                fluat, omnia iam resoluta forent in aera.<\/i><\/td>\nas they flowed away, all would have been resolved into air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                haut igitur cessat gigni de rebus et in res<\/i><\/td>\nAir, then, never ceases to be born from things and return to them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                recidere, adsidue quoniam fluere omnia constat.<\/i><\/td>\nsince it is certain that all things are in constant flux.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                V. DE IGNI ET SOLE (280a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 281\u2013293<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Largus item liquidi fons luminis, aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\nLikewise that large fountain of liquid light, the ethereal sun,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                inrigat adsidue caelum candore recenti<\/i><\/td>\nfloods the heaven constantly with fresh brightness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                suppeditatque nouo confestim lumine lumen.<\/i><\/td>\nand instantly supplies new light to follow light.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nam primum quicquid fulgoris deperit ei,<\/i><\/td>\nFor whatever of its radiance first falls, is lost to it,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quocumque accidit. id licet hinc cognoscere possis,<\/i><\/td>\nwherever it hits. This you may learn from this:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod simul ac primum nubes succedere soli<\/i><\/td>\nthat as soon as clouds begin to pass below the sun<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                coepere et quasi radii interrumpere lucis,<\/i><\/td>\nand, so to speak, break off the rays of light,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                extemplo inferior pars cassum lumine fati,<\/i><\/td>\nimmediately the lower part of the light perishes,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et terra obducitur umbra, quacumque nubes feruntur;<\/i><\/td>\nand the earth is covered by shadow wherever the clouds go;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ut noscas rebus perpetuo indigere nouo<\/i><\/td>\nso you may know that things constantly require new light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et primum quicquid fulgoris perire,<\/i><\/td>\nand that every first-born radiance dies,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec ratione alia res possint in sole uideri,<\/i><\/td>\nand in no other way could things be seen in the sun,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                subpeditet nisi fons ipse aeternum nouum lumen.<\/i><\/td>\nunless the fountain-head itself supplied new light forever.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                VI. DE LAMPADE ET LVCERNA (293a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 294\u2013305<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Quin etiam nocturna tibi, terrestria quae sunt<\/i><\/td>\nEven so, those nightly lights of yours that are on earth,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                lumina, pendentes lychni claraeque coruscis<\/i><\/td>\nthe hanging lamps and torches bright with flickering<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                fulguribus pingues multa caligine taedae<\/i><\/td>\nflashes and thick with smoke,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                consimili properant ratione nouum lumen<\/i><\/td>\nhasten in like manner to supply new light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ministrare, ardore tremere, trepido,<\/i><\/td>\nwith their heat, and to tremble with their flickering;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec loca deseri<\/i><\/td>\nnor is the place ever deserted<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                interrumpere cessat; ita festinat<\/i><\/td>\nnor does the light cease to be broken off; so fast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                exitium celeri celatur origine flammae.<\/i><\/td>\nis its death hidden by the swift birth of flame.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                sic igitur solem lunam stellasque putandumst<\/i><\/td>\nSo then we must believe the sun, moon, and stars<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ex alio atque alio lucem iactare exortu<\/i><\/td>\nthrow out their light from ever-new births,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et primum quicquid flammarum perdere semper;<\/i><\/td>\nand always lose whatever first-born fire they have;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                inuictis quoniam credas uincuntur.<\/i><\/td>\nlest you should believe they are unconquerable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                VII. DE AEDIFICIIS, QVEMADMODVM INTEREANT (305a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 306\u2013323<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Denique non lapides quoque uinci cernis ab aeuo,<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, do you not see that even stones are conquered by time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                non altas turris ruere et caua saxa fatisci,<\/i><\/td>\nthat high towers fall and rocks crumble to decay,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec delubra deum simulacraque fessa fatisci<\/i><\/td>\nthat the shrines and images of the gods grow tired and crack,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec sanctum numen fati protollere finis<\/i><\/td>\nnor can their holy power extend the boundaries of fate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                posse neque aduersus naturae foedera niti?<\/i><\/td>\nnor struggle against the laws of nature?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                denique monumenta uirum dilapsa uidemus,<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, we see the monuments of men fallen to ruin,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quaerere proporro sibi sene senescere credas.<\/i><\/td>\nand you might believe they ask if they too may grow old.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nonne uides etiam silices ita uerti ab aeuo,<\/i><\/td>\nDo you not see even flints are turned by time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                non ualidas aeui uires uincere ferrum<\/i><\/td>\nand the strong powers of age conquer iron,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec silices aeui uires uincere possint?<\/i><\/td>\nnor can the flints withstand the strength of age?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nonne uides etiam silices ita uerti ab aeuo?<\/i><\/td>\nDo you not see the very rocks are turned by time?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                qui cadit repente, si non<\/i><\/td>\nThey would not fall suddenly, if they<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                priore aeuo uicti<\/i><\/td>\nhad not been conquered by the preceding age<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                perculsi essent; neque enim<\/i><\/td>\nand struck down; for indeed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                repentina ruina<\/i><\/td>\na sudden ruin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                accidat, ubi non<\/i><\/td>\ncould not happen, where<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                omnia ante uicta<\/i><\/td>\nall things had not been conquered before<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                per omnia aeui.<\/i><\/td>\nthrough all the lengths of time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                VIII. QVARE NATA OMNIA DICAT (323a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 324\u2013350<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Denique si nulla fuit genitalis origo<\/i><\/td>\nAgain, if there was no birth-time of earth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                terrarum et caeli semperque aeterna fuere,<\/i><\/td>\nand heaven, and they have always been eternal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                cur supra bellum Thebanum et funera Troiae<\/i><\/td>\nwhy before the Theban war and the destruction of Troy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                non alias alii quoque res cecinere poetae?<\/i><\/td>\nhave other poets not sung of other themes as well?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quo tot facta uirum totiens cecidere neque usquam<\/i><\/td>\nWhither have so many deeds of men so often fallen,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aeternis uatum monumentis insita florent?<\/i><\/td>\nand why do they not bloom, planted in eternal monuments of bards?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                uerum, ut opinor, habet nouitatem summa recensque<\/i><\/td>\nBut, as I think, the sum of things is new, and the nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                natura est mundi neque pridem exordia cepit.<\/i><\/td>\nof the world is fresh and had its beginning not long ago.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quapropter quaedam nunc etiam perpoliuntur<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore even now some arts are being polished,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nunc etiam augecsunt; nunc multum peruenit usus<\/i><\/td>\neven now they are increasing; much has recently been added<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nauigiis, nuper deuicta carmina rursus<\/i><\/td>\nto ships, and but lately musicians have given birth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                organici peperere; denique natura haec<\/i><\/td>\nto tuneful melodies; finally, this nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                rerum inuenta est nuper, et hanc primus cum primis<\/i><\/td>\nof things was discovered lately, and I myself among the first<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ipse reperta ego sum in patrias qui possim uertere uoces.<\/i><\/td>\nhave been found able to turn it into our native tongue.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod si forte fuisse antehac eadem omnia credis,<\/i><\/td>\nBut if by chance you believe that all these things existed before,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                sed periisse hominum generatim saecla uapore,<\/i><\/td>\nbut that the generations of men perished in some great heat,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut cecidisse urbis magno uexamine mundi,<\/i><\/td>\nor that cities fell by some great shaking of the world,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut ex imbribus adsiduis exisse rapaces<\/i><\/td>\nor that from constant rains the greedy rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                per terras amnis atque oppida operuisse,<\/i><\/td>\nissued over the earth and overwhelmed the towns,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                tanto magis uictu fateri fata necessest<\/i><\/td>\nso much the more you must be conquered and confess<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                exitium quoque terrai caelique futurum.<\/i><\/td>\nthat there will be a destruction of earth and heaven too.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nam cum res tantis morbis tantisque periclis<\/i><\/td>\nFor when things were being buffeted by such great diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                temptarentur, ibi si tristior incidit uis,<\/i><\/td>\nand dangers, if a more dismal force had then fallen on them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                late darent cladem uastamque ruinam.<\/i><\/td>\nthey would have dealt destruction and vast ruin far and wide.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec ratione alia nos esse mortales<\/i><\/td>\nAnd in no other way are we seen to be mortal,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                intellegimus, nisi quod uicissim<\/i><\/td>\nexcept that we fall sick of the same diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aegrescimus cum illis quos natura remouit.<\/i><\/td>\nas those whom nature has removed from life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                IX. QVARE AETERNITAS ESSE POSSIT (350a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 351\u2013375<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Praeterea quae cumque manent aeterna necessest<\/i><\/td>\nMoreover, whatever things remain eternal must either,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut, quia sunt solido cum corpore, respuere ictus<\/i><\/td>\nbecause they are of solid body, repel strokes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec sinere in se quicquam penetrare, quod possit<\/i><\/td>\nand not allow anything to penetrate them, which could<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                artas dissipare intus partis, ut inania<\/i><\/td>\nunbind the close-joined parts within, as the atoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                sunt corpora, quorum iam ante ostendimus naturam,<\/i><\/td>\nare, whose nature we have shown before;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut ideo durare aetatem posse per omnem,<\/i><\/td>\nor they must be able to endure through all time,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                plagis quia sunt expertia, sicut inane est,<\/i><\/td>\nbecause they are free from strokes, as the void is,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod manet intactum neque ab ictu fungitur hilum,<\/i><\/td>\nwhich remains untouched and is not affected by any stroke;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut etiam quia nulla loci fit copia circum,<\/i><\/td>\nor also because there is no lack of space around them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quo res possint dissilire et dissolui,<\/i><\/td>\ninto which things might fly apart and be dissolved,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                sicut summarum summa est aeterna, neque extra<\/i><\/td>\neven as the sum of sums is eternal, nor is there any place<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quis locus est quo dissiliant neque corpora sunt quae<\/i><\/td>\noutside into which they may fly apart, nor bodies which<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                possint incidere et ualida dissoluere plaga.<\/i><\/td>\nmay fall upon them and dissolve them with a strong blow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                at neque, uti docui, solido cum corpore mundi<\/i><\/td>\nBut, as I have shown, neither is the nature of the world<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                natura est, quoniam admixtum est in rebus inane,<\/i><\/td>\nof solid body, since void is mixed in things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec tamen est ut inane, neque autem corpora desunt,<\/i><\/td>\nnor yet is it like the void, nor are there wanting bodies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ex infinito quae possint forte coorta<\/i><\/td>\nwhich, rising by chance from the infinite,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                uastare hanc rerum summam uiolento turbine<\/i><\/td>\nmight overwhelm this sum of things with a violent whirlwind<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut aliam quamuis cladem inportare pericli,<\/i><\/td>\nor bring upon it some other form of dangerous disaster;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec porro natura loci spatiumque profundi<\/i><\/td>\nnor again is the nature of space and the extent of the deep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                deest, quo possint mundi moenia dissipari,<\/i><\/td>\nwanting, into which the walls of the world might be scattered,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut alia quauis possint ui pulsa perire.<\/i><\/td>\nor be struck and perish by any other force.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                haut igitur leti praeclusa est ianua caelo<\/i><\/td>\nTherefore the gate of death is not closed to the heaven,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nec soli terraeque neque altis aequoris undis,<\/i><\/td>\nnor to the sun and earth, nor to the deep waters of the sea,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                sed patet immani et uasto respectat hiatu.<\/i><\/td>\nbut it stands open and waits with a huge and vast gaping mouth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                X. ET NATIVA ESSE CVM SINT MORTALIA (375a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 376\u2013395<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Quapropter quoniam patefactast ianua leti,<\/i><\/td>\nWherefore, since the gate of death is open,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                haec quoque natiua esse quoque confitere necessest;<\/i><\/td>\nyou must likewise confess that these things have a birth-time;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                neque enim mortali corpore quae sunt,<\/i><\/td>\nfor things which are of mortal body<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ex infinito iam tempore adhuc potuissent<\/i><\/td>\ncould not have been able from infinite time until now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ualidas aeui uires contemnere uictas.<\/i><\/td>\nto despise the strong powers of age and remain unconquered.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                denique tantopere cum magna inter se membra<\/i><\/td>\nFinally, since the great members of the world<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                pugnent, inpio nequaquam bello uexata,<\/i><\/td>\nfight so fiercely among themselves, stirred by unholy war,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nonne uides aliquam longi certaminis ollis<\/i><\/td>\ndo you not see that some end of their long struggle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                posse dari finem? uel cum sol et uapor omnis<\/i><\/td>\nmay be given to them? either when the sun and all heat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                omnibus epotis umoribus uicerit,<\/i><\/td>\nshall have conquered by drinking up all the waters\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod facere intendit, neque adhuc conata patrauit:<\/i><\/td>\nwhich they strive to do, though they have not yet succeeded:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                tantum suppeditant amnes ultraque minantur<\/i><\/td>\nso much do the rivers supply, and threaten moreover<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                omnia diluuiare ex alto gurgite ponti;<\/i><\/td>\nto flood everything from the deep abyss of the sea;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                nequiquam, quoniam uerrentes aequora uenti<\/i><\/td>\nall in vain, since the winds sweeping the seas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                deminuunt radiisque retexens aetherius sol,<\/i><\/td>\ndiminish them, and the ethereal sun unweaving them with his rays,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                et confidunt omnia posse siccare<\/i><\/td>\nand they trust they can dry up all things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                prius quam umor possit ad finem destinatum.<\/i><\/td>\nbefore the water can reach its destined end.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                tantopere spirantes bellum certamine aequo<\/i><\/td>\nSo much do they breathe out war in equal struggle,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                pugnant inter se de casu.<\/i><\/td>\nfighting among themselves for the final fall.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                XI. DE PHAETHONTE SOLIS FILIO (395a)<\/h3>\n

                Lines 396\u2013415<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Latin Text (Diels 1923)<\/td>\nEnglish Translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Ignis enim superauit et ambussit multorum<\/i><\/td>\nFor once fire was the victor and burnt many things,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                saecla, et umor quondam, ut fama est, dominatus in aruis.<\/i><\/td>\nand water once, as the story goes, held dominion over the fields.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                superat et ambussit multorum<\/i><\/td>\nFire was the victor and burnt many things<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                saecla, ubi solis equi de uia flexere,<\/i><\/td>\nwhen the horses of the sun turned from the path,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                per totum caelum terrasque uagebantur.<\/i><\/td>\nand wandered through the whole heaven and over the lands.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                at pater omnipotens ira tum percitus acri<\/i><\/td>\nBut the almighty father, then stirred by sharp anger,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                magnanimum Phaethonta repenti fulminis ictu<\/i><\/td>\nstruck down high-souled Phaethon with a sudden stroke of lightning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                deturbauit equis in terram, solque cadenti<\/i><\/td>\nfrom his horses to the earth, and the sun, meeting him as he fell,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                obuius aeternam succepit lampada mundi<\/i><\/td>\ncaught the eternal lamp of the world,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                disiectosque redegit equos iunxitque trementis;<\/i><\/td>\nand brought back the scattered horses and yoked them trembling;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                inde suum per iter recreauit cuncta gubernans,<\/i><\/td>\nthen along his own path he recreated all things, guiding them,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                scilicet ut ueteres Graium cecinere poetae.<\/i><\/td>\neven as the old poets of the Greeks have sung.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                quod procul a uera rationis longe uidetur.<\/i><\/td>\nBut this is far removed from the true reason.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ignis enim superare potest ubi plura<\/i><\/td>\nFor fire can be the victor when more atoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ex infinito sunt corpora materiai,<\/i><\/td>\nof its matter have risen from the infinite,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                inde uicta rursus uiribus cessit,<\/i><\/td>\nthen its strength was conquered and it yielded again,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                aut pereunt res exusto aere uapore.<\/i><\/td>\nor things perish, burnt up by the scorching air.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                3. Critical Apparatus: Testimonia and Codices<\/h2>\n

                The scholarly value of the Diels 1923 edition lies in its meticulous reconstruction of the text\u2019s history, a process that Einstein characterized as the work of an \u201cindependent man equipped with lively senses and reasoning.\u201d<\/p>\n

                Testimonia<\/h3>\n

                The ancient witnesses to Lucretius\u2019s genius corroborate the \u201cscientific and speculative curiosity\u201d that Einstein identified. These accounts emphasize the poet\u2019s immediate, almost confrontational, engagement with reality:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Cicero (<\/b>Ad Quintum fratrem<\/b><\/i>\u00a0II 9,3):<\/b>\u00a0In a letter from February 54 BCE, Cicero remarks that the poem is distinguished by \u201cmany flashes of genius\u201d (multis luminibus ingeni<\/i>) yet also by \u201cmuch art\u201d (multae tamen artis<\/i>).<\/li>\n
                • Vitruvius (<\/b>De architectura<\/b><\/i>\u00a0IX Praef. 16):<\/b>\u00a0The architect-scholar describes Lucretius as one who appears to \u201cdispute face to face about the nature of things\u201d (coram de rerum natura disputare<\/i>), a phrasing that mirrors Einstein\u2019s view of the poet as an active observer of the \u201ccausal connectedness\u201d of the world.<\/li>\n
                • Cornelius Nepos (<\/b>Atticus<\/b><\/i>\u00a012,4):<\/b>\u00a0Places Lucretius among the most elegant poets of his generation, underscoring the aesthetic appeal that would later captivate figures like Attenborough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Codices<\/h3>\n

                  The manuscript tradition is a testament to the \u201cmemes\u201d of the Carolingian Renaissance, where the 9th-century scripts served as the bridge from antiquity to the modern age.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • The Insular Archetype:<\/b>\u00a0The tradition stems from a lost archetype of \u201cinsular origin\u201d (likely 7th-century Irish or Anglo-Saxon), which Diels posits was transcribed into the beautiful Carolingian minuscule of the schools of Alcuin.<\/li>\n
                  • Codex Oblongus (O):<\/b>\u00a0A 9th-century manuscript formerly at the monastery of St. Martin in Mainz. It is the primary authority, yet even it contains the hallmarks of fallible transmission, such as the famous error\u00a0ORALATVM<\/i>\u00a0for\u00a0ornatum<\/i>.<\/li>\n
                  • Codex Quadratus (Q):<\/b>\u00a0Also 9th-century, from the monastery of St. Bertin. It represents a slightly different family of the tradition. Diels notes that where\u00a0O<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0Q<\/i>\u00a0diverge, the error often stems from the scribe\u2019s inability to decipher the script of the common insular ancestor.<\/li>\n
                  • Codicological Variations:<\/b>\u00a0The manuscripts frequently exhibit\u00a0rubrication<\/i>, where spaces left by the initial scribe (who could not read the archetype) were later filled with red ink (minium<\/i>). This process often introduced further corruptions into the technical atomistic descriptions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    4. Bibliographic and Technical Metadata for Pressbooks<\/h2>\n

                    Digital Object Metadata<\/h3>\n
                      \n
                    • Source Citation (Latin Text):<\/b>\n
                        \n
                      • T. Lucreti Cari De rerum natura libri sex<\/i>. Edited and emended by Hermann Diels. Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1923.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                      • Source Citation (Foreword):<\/b>\n
                          \n
                        • Lukrez, Von der Natur<\/i>. Translated by Hermann Diels, with a Foreword by Albert Einstein. Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1924.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                        • Aldine Edition Citation:<\/b>\n
                            \n
                          • Lucretius Carus, Titus.\u00a0De rerum natura<\/i>. Venice: Aldus Manutius, 1515.<\/li>\n
                          • Physical Description:<\/b>\u00a0Octavo; 266 pages; 91 x 160 mm.<\/li>\n
                          • Typography:<\/b>\u00a0Notable for the introduction of the Aldine italic script, as referenced in the SFU Library and by David Attenborough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                          • Technical Specifications:<\/b>\n
                              \n
                            • All Latin terminology and text in this document are\u00a0italicized<\/i>.<\/li>\n
                            • Headings follow a hierarchical structure (H1, H2, H3) to ensure seamless compatibility with Pressbooks\u2019 CSS and accessibility standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"menu_order":31,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-79","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":18,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/79","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\/79\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/79\/revisions\/80"}],"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\/79\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=79"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=79"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.psgaesthetics.uk\/lucretius\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=79"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}