PREFACE

PRÆFATIO.

...the four species The four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. of literal calculus calculi litteralis A period term for symbolic algebra, where letters represent numbers. and common Arithmetic, and nothing else from Mathematics Mathesi is presupposed as known. I have illustrated individual theorems with specific examples so that anyone can easily understand the most elegant laws of motion: it will be established in the proper time and place that these are not only most useful in Physics, but their effect is of the greatest importance in Metaphysics—as is apparent now and will be hereafter from the final section of Cosmology, then from rational Psychology, and especially from natural Theology.

We have developed the concept of a miracle miraculum according to its importance and established its difference from the natural order in opposition to Spinoza Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677), whose philosophy was often interpreted as denying the possibility of miracles by identifying God with the immutable laws of nature.. We have shown clearly enough how difficult it is to demonstrate the perfection of the world and the order of nature, and we have made plain how difficult it is, furthermore, to prove the contingency contingentia In philosophy, contingency refers to something that happens to be true or exists but could have been otherwise; it is the opposite of absolute necessity. of the order of nature.

In doing so, we have put to shame those adversaries who vomited every kind of insult upon us because we asserted that, until now, the existence of God had been insufficiently proven through the order of nature. Behold, then, how profound are the doctrines contained in general Cosmology and what great utility this most noble discipline promises! Furthermore, if anyone does not approve of everything that I have taught concerning the connection of things, the elements, and the nature of bodies...