Sacred and Truly Christian Philosophy, or Cosmic Meteorology (1626) - Page 8


This portion is divided into three parts, which treat the causes of meteors original: "meteororum." In 17th-century science, "meteors" did not just refer to space rocks, but to any atmospheric phenomenon, including rain, wind, clouds, and lightning. in an uncommon manner:	The First [treats] Material causes In the Aristotelian tradition used here, "Material causes" refer to the physical substance from which something is made.:	Simple materials, about which is Book 1.
		Mixed materials, and about these, Book 2.
	The Second or Middle [treats]:	Formal causes The "Formal cause" is the design, pattern, or essence that makes a thing what it is., which Book 3, divided into various members members: structural sections or chapters of a book, encompasses.
		Efficient causes The "Efficient cause" is the primary source of the change or the "agent" that brings the thing into being., and concerning these, Book 4 with its sub-sections or members.
	The Third and last [treats] Final causes The "Final cause" refers to the ultimate purpose or end goal of a phenomenon., namely of both natures:	Healthful [causes], about which is Book 5 with its members.
		Diseased [causes], and concerning such things Books 6 & 7 treat, with their members.

TREATISE.