Homeopathy :: Different Translations of Aphorism 9 of Organon

A student asked – I am looking for a beautiful translation of aphorism nine. I have Wenda Brewster O’Reilly’s version but you might know of a better one. Any suggestions?

So here they all are. Take your pick.

Aphorism 9 as we know it, first appears in the 5th (1833) edition.

Dudgeon (1849): In the healthy condition of man, the spiritual vital force (autocracy), the dynamis that animates the material body (Organism), rules with unbounded sway, and retains all the parts of the organism in admirable, harmonious, vital operation, as regards both sensations and functions, so that our indwelling, reason-gifted mind can freely employ this living healthy instrument for the higher purposes of our existence.

Wesselhoeft (1876): During the healthy condition of man, this spirit-like force (autocracy), animating the material body (organism), rules supreme as dynamis. By it all the parts are maintained wonderfully in harmonious vital process, both in feelings and functions, in order that our intelligent mind may be free to make the living, healthy, bodily medium subservient to the higher purposes of our being.

Fincke (c.1890): In the healthy state of man, the spirit-like life force (autocracy), which as dynamis vivifies the material body (organic), rules absolutely and holds all its parts in admirably harmonic course of life in sensations and functions, that our indwelling, rational spirit can use freely this living sound instrument for the higher end of our being.

Naude/ Kunzli (1982): In the state of health, the spirit-like vital force (dynamis), animating the material human organism, reigns in supreme sovereignty. It maintains the sensations and activities of all the parts of the living organism in a harmony that obliges wonderment. The reasoning spirit who inhabits the organism can thus freely use this healthy instrument to reach the lofty goals of human existence.

O’Reilly/Decker (1996): In the healthy human state, the spirit-like force (autocracy), that enlivens the material organism as dynamis, governs without restriction and keeps all parts of the organism in admirable, harmonious, vital operation as regards both feelings and functions, so that our indwelling rational spirit can avail itself of this living healthy instrument for the higher purposes of our existence.

Source: Julian Winston


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