NEW PHYSIOLOGY original: Physiologiæ. In this period, "physiology" referred to the general study of nature and the physical world—what we now call natural science—rather than specifically the functions of living organisms.

NEW

AGAINST ARISTOTLE.

BOOK ONE.

CHAPTER ONE.

Decorative woodcut initial letter Q featuring floral and leaf motifs within a square frame.Those who believe that an exact knowledge of all things and sciences, or refined arts and sciences, were infused from above into the first humans in nature, seem to be foolish indeed—falling into a manifest error (though an honorable one, full of a certain piety, as they seek to honor the fame and memory of the first Fathers all the more). Moses, venerable by the very antiquity of his writings, shows that Jubal, after ten generations on earth, was the founder and master of Music; and Tubal-cain Tubal-cain is a biblical figure from Genesis 4:22, traditionally credited as the first blacksmith. the smith and craftsman of metalwork: (a highly necessary art;) while Music is most pleasant through the allurements of its melodies and harmony. Yet Natural Philosophy, the science of the stars original: siderum scientia; i.e., astronomy, and the other Mathematical arts still lay hidden; the earth was rough with forests, and sterile sand lay in the fields; men were naked, untaught, and wandering. At last, when a certain people was brought under control through governance—though with very few laws—and through the virtue and command of certain heroes, and as minds came together, inquiries began into speech, letters, and writings. And from such beginnings, when [they advanced] toward greater [things]...