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Encyclopedia

People, places, and concepts that appear across multiple books in the collection. Discover connections between texts.

1,342
Total
385
People
255
Places
702
Concepts
AllABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
By relevanceA – Z

1,342 results starting with “C”

Cancer (Karka)

6 books · 58 mentions

Surya Siddhanta with Gudhartha-prakasakaPanchasiddhantika+1 more

Calumny

A personified vice in classical and Renaissance thought representing the malicious spreading of false accusations, famously described by Lucian and depicted by Botticelli.

6 books · 57 mentions

Divine Comedy with Landino Commentary (1487 Incunabulum)Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. VIII (Principia Philosophiae)
PreviousPage 5 of 23Next
+1 more

Civil Law

The body of law derived from the Roman 'Corpus Juris Civilis', which served as the foundation for legal systems and political theory in early modern Europe.

6 books · 54 mentions

Opera Omnia (Complete Works)Landino: Dante Commentary (1481 Florence)+1 more

Cos

A Greek island in the Dodecanese, famous in antiquity as the site of the Asclepeion and the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine.

6 books · 46 mentions

Lives and Opinions of Eminent PhilosophersOpera Omnia (Complete Works)+1 more

Cleombrotus

An Academic philosopher from Ambracia who reportedly drowned himself after reading Plato's Phaedo to hasten his soul's journey to the afterlife.

6 books · 45 mentions

Opera Omnia (Complete Works)A Christian and Heavenly Treatise: Containing Medicine for the Soul+1 more

Clement

Likely referring to Clement of Alexandria, a Christian theologian who sought to harmonize Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine, making him a vital source for Renaissance Neoplatonists.

6 books · 42 mentions

Historical-Theological Considerations of Remarkable TruthsThe Complete Works of Marsilio Ficino+1 more

Corinthian Order

The most ornate of the three main classical orders of architecture, characterized by slender columns and capitals decorated with acanthus leaves. It was codified in the Renaissance by architects such as Palladio and Serlio.

5 books · 282 mentions

The Strife of Love in a Dream, or the Discourse of the Dream of PoliphiloTen Books on Architecture+1 more

Clear and Distinct Perception

An epistemological criterion proposed by René Descartes serving as the foundation for certain knowledge by identifying ideas that are self-evident.

5 books · 227 mentions

Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. VI (La Géométrie)Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. VII (Meditationes)+1 more

Constantijn Huygens

A Dutch Golden Age polymath, diplomat, and poet who was a central figure in the European 'Republic of Letters' and a correspondent of Descartes.

5 books · 167 mentions

Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. I (Correspondance)Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. VIII (Principia Philosophiae)+1 more

Crito

A wealthy friend and follower of Socrates, known primarily through Plato's dialogue Crito, which discusses justice and the social contract. In Renaissance Neoplatonism, he represents the practical man of action devoted to the philosopher.

5 books · 144 mentions

Lives and Opinions of Eminent PhilosophersComplete Works of Plato, translated by Marsilio Ficino (1518)+1 more

Chiaroscuro

An artistic technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms, central to Renaissance natural philosophy and visual theory.

5 books · 140 mentions

Zur Farbenlehre, Erster BandThe Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci+1 more

Charles Ravaisson-Mollien

A 19th-century French scholar and curator who produced the first comprehensive facsimile editions of Leonardo da Vinci's manuscripts held at the Institut de France.

5 books · 137 mentions

Les manuscrits de Leonard de Vinci, Vol. 6Les Manuscrits de Leonardo da Vinci (Peladan compilation)+1 more

Canaan

The son of Ham and grandson of Noah in the Hebrew Bible, whose descendants were said to have settled the Land of Canaan. In various mystical and genealogical traditions, he is a figure of significant ancestral and symbolic importance.

5 books · 125 mentions

De Harmonia Mundi TotiusMonumenta Sacra Inedita (Tischendorf)+1 more

Clarification

The alchemical and natural philosophical process of purifying a substance by removing dregs or impurities, often serving as a metaphor for spiritual refinement.

5 books · 123 mentions

The mirror of simple soulsSylva Sylvarum (Latin edition)+1 more

Columbus

The Genoese explorer whose voyages to the Americas were often interpreted in early modern esoteric literature as the fulfillment of prophecy.

5 books · 115 mentions

Sylva Sylvarum (Latin edition)Novum organum scientiarum+1 more

Covenant of Grace

A central theological concept in Reformed and mystical Christianity describing God's promise of eternal life and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, contrasting with the Covenant of Works.

5 books · 114 mentions

Three Christian Sermons on TemptationsWorks of Jacob Behmen (William Law Edition, 4 vols)+1 more

Crystalline lens

The transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that refracts light; its function was a central topic in the development of physiological optics and anatomical study.

5 books · 111 mentions

Magia Naturalis Libri XX (1607)Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. VI (La Géométrie)+1 more

Ceration

An alchemical process involving the softening of a hard substance or waxing it to a fluid state, considered a stage in the preparation of the Philosopher's Stone.

5 books · 107 mentions

Summa perfectionis magisteriiReg.lat.1278+1 more

Coction

An alchemical and medical term for the process of 'cooking' or maturing a substance through heat to achieve digestion, purification, or the perfection of the Great Work.

5 books · 107 mentions

Alchymia Triumphans: Defense of Alchemy Against the Parisian FacultyConciliator Differentiarum Philosophorum et Medicorum+1 more

Calais

A major port city in northern France that served as a vital link between England and the European continent, frequently mentioned in early modern correspondence and travelogues. Its strategic importance made it a frequent subject in historical and geographical treatises of the 16th and 17th centuries.

5 books · 106 mentions

Utriusque cosmi majoris scilicet et minoris metaphysica, physica atque technica historiaThe Discovery of Witchcraft+1 more

Catarrh

A historical medical term for the excessive discharge of mucus, theorized in humoralism as a 'dropping' of waste fluids from the brain into the lower parts of the body.

5 books · 104 mentions

Medical Letters, Volume OneConciliator Differentiarum Philosophorum et Medicorum+1 more

Confessio Fraternitatis

The second Rosicrucian manifesto, published in 1615, providing further details on the order's philosophy and calling for a general reformation.

5 books · 103 mentions

The Real History of the RosicruciansFama Fraternitatis und Confessio Fraternitatis+1 more

Celestial Fire

A subtle, spiritualized fire in alchemical and Hermetic traditions, considered the animating spirit of the universe and the agent of transmutation.

5 books · 97 mentions

Iamblichus De Mysteriis (1497 Aldine)De anatomia triplici in partes tres diuisa+1 more

Celestial equator

The projection of the Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere, serving as the primary reference plane for the equatorial coordinate system in astronomy.

5 books · 95 mentions

Surya Siddhanta with Gudhartha-prakasakaBrahma Sphuta Siddhanta (Vol 2)+1 more

Crollius

A 16th-century German physician and alchemist who was a prominent proponent of Paracelsian medicine. His 'Basilica Chymica' became a standard manual for iatrochemistry, emphasizing the chemical preparation of medicines and the doctrine of signatures.

5 books · 94 mentions

Triumphant Chariot of AntimonyA Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More+1 more

Crisis

In Hippocratic and Galenic medicine, a critical turning point in a disease where the patient's fate is decided toward recovery or death.

5 books · 89 mentions

Conciliator Differentiarum Philosophorum et MedicorumOrtus Medicinae (Origin of Medicine)+1 more

Clyster (enema)

A medical procedure for injecting fluids into the rectum for therapeutic purposes, widely used in early modern medicine to treat constipation and balance the humors.

5 books · 85 mentions

Medical Letters, Volume OneMagia Naturalis Libri XX (1607)+1 more

Callippus

A 4th-century BCE Greek astronomer who refined the system of homocentric spheres and developed a 76-year cycle to synchronize solar and lunar calendars.

5 books · 83 mentions

On the Revolutions of the Celestial SpheresOn the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres (1543 First Edition)+1 more

Chang'an

The ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties and a major terminus of the Silk Road, frequently described in early Jesuit accounts of China.

5 books · 83 mentions

Kircher: China Illustrata (1667)三才圖會(二)+1 more

Cleomedes

A Greek astronomer known for his work 'On the Circular Motions of the Celestial Bodies', which preserved earlier Stoic astronomical theories and Eratosthenes' measurement of the Earth.

5 books · 83 mentions

The Great Art of Light and ShadowOrigen Philocalia (Greek)+1 more

Cardinal Bessarion

A Byzantine scholar and Catholic cardinal whose patronage and collection of Greek manuscripts were instrumental in the Renaissance revival of Greek science.

5 books · 82 mentions

Epitome of Ptolemy's Almagest (1496)Musici Scriptores Graeci+1 more

Cang Shengmai

A Ming dynasty physician and scholar whose medical insights and commentaries are frequently cited in major pharmaceutical works like the Bencao Gangmu.

5 books · 82 mentions

齊民要術 (Qimin Yaoshu: Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People) Vol 9本草綱目·卷二+1 more

Ceos

An island in the Cyclades archipelago of the Aegean Sea, known in antiquity as the birthplace of the poet Simonides and the physician Erasistratus.

5 books · 80 mentions

Complete Works of Plato, translated by Marsilio Ficino (1518)Plato: Complete Works (Ficino Translation)+1 more

Cumae

An ancient city in Italy famous for being the home of the Cumaean Sibyl, a prophetess frequently referenced in Renaissance literature and art.

5 books · 79 mentions

Ten Books on ArchitectureCardano: De Subtilitate (1550)+1 more

Combustion (Astangata)

An astrological condition where a planet is rendered weak or invisible due to its close proximity to the Sun.

5 books · 78 mentions

Brihat Jataka with Bhattotpala CommentaryHora Sara and Ashtavarga Jataka (manuscript)+1 more

Chylification

The physiological process in early modern medicine by which food is converted into chyle in the stomach and intestines.

5 books · 78 mentions

Vesalius: De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1555)Naturall Philosophie Reformed by Divine Light (1651)+1 more

Confusion of Languages

The biblical event following the construction of the Tower of Babel where humanity's single language was fractured into many, often interpreted in esotericism as the loss of the universal Adamic tongue.

5 books · 78 mentions

Divine Comedy with Landino Commentary (1487 Incunabulum)Petrarch: Sonnets with Commentary (1519)+1 more

Ceremonial Magic

A tradition of Western esotericism involving complex rituals, invocations, and the use of consecrated tools to communicate with or command spiritual entities. It was famously systematized by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa in the 16th century.

5 books · 77 mentions

Three Books of Occult PhilosophyThe Lesser Key of Solomon (Goetia)+1 more

Cosmography

The science that maps the general features of the universe, describing both the heavens and the earth, often blending geography, astronomy, and natural history. It was a foundational discipline for early modern explorers and natural philosophers seeking to understand the structure of the macrocosm.

5 books · 75 mentions

Cosmographia (Geography)Paracelsus: Complete Works (Latin)+1 more

Continuous and Discrete quantity

An Aristotelian distinction in logic and mathematics between quantities that are infinitely divisible (continuous) and those composed of distinct units (discrete).

5 books · 74 mentions

Llull: Ars Magna Generalis (1517)Ramon Llull Ars Magna Generalis et Ultima (1517)+1 more

Central Salt

An alchemical concept referring to a universal salt or hidden essence believed to reside at the heart of all matter and facilitate transmutation.

5 books · 72 mentions

Musaeum Hermeticum (1677 Edition)Deutsches Theatrum Chemicum Vol. I+1 more

Continuum

A philosophical and mathematical concept regarding the infinite divisibility of space, time, or matter, a subject of intense debate among Scholastic philosophers.

5 books · 71 mentions

De Triplici Minimo et MensuraElements of Theology and Physics+1 more

Circulation of the blood

The physiological process by which the heart pumps blood through a closed system of vessels, a discovery formally described by William Harvey in 1628.

5 books · 71 mentions

Works of William Harvey (Sydenham Society 1847)Oeuvres de Descartes Vol. I (Correspondance)+1 more

Chara (Ascensional difference)

A technical term in Indian astronomy representing the difference between the time of rising of a celestial body on the equator and its rising at a given latitude.

5 books · 71 mentions

Surya Siddhanta with Gudhartha-prakasakaPanchasiddhantika+1 more

Cecco d'Ascoli

An Italian physician and poet whose astrological and scientific views led to his condemnation and execution by the Inquisition in the 14th century.

5 books · 69 mentions

Mosaicall PhilosophyThree Books of Occult Philosophy+1 more

Christoph Besold

A 17th-century German jurist, historian, and polymath known for his extensive writings on law, politics, and philology, as well as his eventual conversion to Catholicism.

5 books · 69 mentions

De bombardis: ac item de typographia[Greek] Dissertationum philologicarum+1 more

Chorazin

An ancient village in Galilee mentioned in the New Testament as one of the places where Jesus performed miracles but whose inhabitants were rebuked for their lack of faith. It appears frequently in biblical commentaries and geographical studies of the Holy Land.

5 books · 66 mentions

Most Lucid Expositions on the Four GospelsOrigen Philocalia (Greek)+1 more

Cimon

An Athenian statesman and general who played a pivotal role in the development of the Athenian empire and was noted for his pro-Spartan policy.

5 books · 66 mentions

Opera Omnia (Complete Works)Plato: Complete Works (Ficino Translation)+1 more

Cecrops

The mythical first king of Athens, often depicted as half-man and half-serpent, symbolizing the autochthonous origins of the city. He appears in early modern texts as a figure of ancient wisdom and the founder of civilization.

5 books · 65 mentions

Oedipus Aegyptiacus Volume II (1653)Alciato: Emblemata (1548 Lyon)+1 more

Cabalistic Art

The practice and study of Jewish mysticism as adapted by Christian scholars during the Renaissance to find hidden theological and philosophical meanings in scripture and nature.

5 books · 62 mentions

Paracelsus: Complete Works (Latin)Ortus Medicinae (Origin of Medicine)+1 more

Constantius

Likely referring to Constantius II, Roman Emperor (r. 337–361), known for his involvement in Arian controversies and his role in the transition of the Empire toward Christianity.

5 books · 62 mentions

Essay on the Sacred Fire and on the VestalsCommentary on the Apocalypse of John (Armenian)+1 more

Cephalus

A wealthy resident of Piraeus and father of the orator Lysias, who appears in the opening of Plato's Republic as a figure of elderly piety and justice.

5 books · 62 mentions

Complete Works of Plato, translated by Marsilio Ficino (1518)Opera Omnia (Complete Works)+1 more

Cosmogony

The branch of science or philosophy that deals with the origin and development of the universe, often explored through mythological or theological frameworks.

5 books · 62 mentions

Lives and Opinions of Eminent PhilosophersThe True Intellectual System of the Universe+1 more

Church Militant

A theological concept representing the portion of the Christian Church on Earth currently engaged in spiritual warfare against sin.

5 books · 61 mentions

Divine Comedy with Landino Commentary (1487 Incunabulum)Landino: Dante Commentary (1481 Florence)+1 more

Ciliary processes

Structures in the eye that secrete aqueous humor and are involved in accommodation, studied extensively during the scientific revolution.

5 books · 59 mentions

Vesalius: De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1555)Kepler: Dioptrice (1611 First Edition)+1 more

Castor and Pollux

The Dioscuri, twin brothers in Greek and Roman mythology who represent the constellation Gemini and were patrons of sailors. They appear in Renaissance astronomical and architectural works, often symbolizing duality and fraternal devotion.

5 books · 57 mentions

Opera Omnia (Complete Works)Palladio: Quattro Libri (1616 Venice)+1 more

Christians

Adherents of Christianity, whose theological frameworks dominated Western intellectual history and the interpretation of esoteric traditions.

5 books · 57 mentions

Llull: Ars Magna Generalis (1517)Theologia platonica de immortalitate animorum+1 more

Calliope

The Muse of epic poetry and eloquence in Greek mythology, often depicted as the leader of the Muses. She is frequently invoked by poets and philosophers, including Dante and Boethius, as a source of divine inspiration for high intellectual pursuits.

5 books · 57 mentions

Divine Comedy with Landino Commentary (1487 Incunabulum)Boethius: De Consolatione (1486)+1 more

Catalepsy

A medical condition characterized by muscular rigidity and a trance-like state, often discussed in early modern texts in relation to melancholia or religious ecstasy.

5 books · 56 mentions

A Christian and Heavenly Treatise: Containing Medicine for the SoulWeyer: De Praestigiis Daemonum (1568)+1 more

Celestial region

In pre-modern cosmology, the realm above the moon composed of quintessence or ether, characterized by eternal, circular motion and inhabited by the stars and planets.

5 books · 55 mentions

Complete Works of Plato, translated by Marsilio Ficino (1518)Harmony of the World (with Mysterium cosmographicum)+1 more