[15] Cf. [p 28, n. 1].
[16] Divine. The translator has mistaken an adjective for a noun.
[17] François Tristan Thermite, 1601-1655, a French dramatist of importance. His tragedy of Mariamne, in date contemporary with Corneille's Cid, marks him as a predecessor of Racine in method and manner. He is also the author of fugitive verse, but neither that nor his plays make him quite worthy of Cyrano's exalted "Elogy."
He was compelled to pass the years 1614-1620 in England, on account of a duel fought at the age of thirteen!
[18] Talc, silicate of magnesia.
[19] The "Philosopher's Stone," in form of powder, for chemical "projection" upon baser metals, to transmute them into gold.
[20] The "Elixir of Life," or the "Philosopher's Stone" in liquid form.
[21] Eulogy. Still so used at the end of the eighteenth century.
[22] Consequence = conclusion, deduction. Cf. Matthew Prior:
"Can syllogisms set things right?
No, majors soon with minors fight.
Or both in friendly consort joined
The consequence limps false behind."