Appendix to the Books on Plants and Peripatetic Questions

It is said that when something participates in the same specific or generic nature, it is natural; but if it should vary in any part from that common nature, it is contrary to nature and is called a Monster original: "Monstrum"; in this context, it refers to a biological or metaphysical deviation from the "ideal" form of a species. Therefore, that which exists is also "one," participating in its being from the One. Inanimate things are indeed more imperfect, for while they possess triple dimensions, they possess only tangible and visible qualities. Plants, however, beyond the qualities of the elements, have attained a vegetative soul, which is a certain part of the Divine essence—which is life itself—but communicated to matter. Furthermore, animals participate in this divine quality even more perfectly because they feel. Finally, man participates most perfectly because he understands; hence he is made in the likeness of God and has attained an immortal soul that does not require a body in order to understand. There is, therefore, a certain Divine Unity by whose participation living things live, and from which, if they are separated, they perish—even though that Unity remains separate from all things. From the One, therefore, all things exist and are preserved. Whence Aristotle rightly concludes:

The rule of many is not good; let there be one ruler. A famous quote from Aristotle's Metaphysics, originally citing Homer's Iliad, used here to argue for monotheism and singular truth.

Similarly, we also can conclude:

A multitude of sects is not good; therefore, there is one truth and one consensus.

But in natural science natural science: the study of the physical world and its laws, perhaps a single consensus is difficult to achieve, for it does not possess the certainty of Mathematics; yet in these matters, it does not matter much if one errs. But concerning Divine matters, which are held through faith alone and upon which human salvation and eternal punishment depend, it is extreme madness to withdraw from the common consensus of the faithful. It is indeed arrogant to prefer one's own opinion over those who, by human wisdom, stood as the authors of the sciences, and to detract from their authority; or over those who are believed to be inspired by divine power. It is not arrogant, but pious, to lead those who have wandered back to the truth. Therefore, lest the author seem to have attempted these things in vain, I advise that he be restored to the Catholic Church, and coming to his senses before he falls into the judgment of divine justice, let him implore mercy and produce fruits worthy of repentance. For thus shall his intellect be enlightened, which has been darkened by his departure from the faith.