A Defense of the Introduction to a True and Unheard-of Physics

...then is an Element granted? by the Wisdom of Solomon itself, and other Sacred scriptures which establish and approve a plurality of Elements.

But this is the tactic of those who strive to extricate themselves through empty refuges original: κενοφύγετα (kenophygeta); a Greek term meaning "vain excuses" or intellectual loopholes used to avoid a difficult argument.. What they find impossible to prove through learned reasoning, they attribute either to hidden qualities occult qualitiesIn early modern science, these were properties of matter (like magnetism) that could be observed but not yet explained by mechanical laws or the four primary qualities. or to the authority of some influential author. In this way, the anonymous writer seeks refuge and sanctuary in the Sacred Scriptures and the book of the Wisdom of Solomon—even though it is considered apocryphal original: ἀπόκρυφον (apokryphon); referring to biblical books not included in the standard Hebrew canon, such as the Wisdom of Solomon, which the author uses to argue for a specific number of elements. in the Church of Christ—to justify his plurality of Elements and to confound their unity. This, in my judgment, is not the conduct of a learned man or a philosopher.

This is especially true since the Sacred Scriptures do not reveal the physical nature of the body to believers, but rather the salvation of the soul. Consequently, no truly educated person treats Holy Scripture as an infallible foundation or argument for Physics, but rather as one for Faith. For on natural matters, the sacred page usually speaks according to common opinion The author is invoking the principle of "accommodation," arguing that the Bible uses everyday language and common perceptions of nature rather than scientific precision.. Far from the palm of victory being offered to the anonymous author by this excuse (even as he boasts that Holy Scripture supports his opinion), Holy Scripture itself [its opinion...]