GIORDANO BRUNO OF NOLA

...was preserved in Noah's Ark for the conservation of the species. original: "conferuandam speciem fuit in Archa Noe reseruatus." Bruno often uses the Ark as a metaphor for the memory containing all forms. LOGIFER: And Master Roccus, arch-master of arts and medicine—who prefers empirical practice over doctrinal memory—would consider these things trifles rather than artistic precepts. PHILOTIMUS: He sees no further than his medical flask. original: "non ultra matulam." A jab at doctors who only look at urine samples (matula) rather than higher philosophy. LOGIFER: One of the ancient teachers said that this art cannot be accessible to everyone, except for those who already possess a powerful natural memory. PHILOTIMUS: A bridge-dweller's opinion. original: "Depontana sententia." Likely referring to 'sexagenarios de ponte,' implying an obsolete or discardable idea. LOGIFER: Pharsacon, doctor of both laws and a "grammatical" philosopher, feels that this art burdens rather than relieves; for where things must be remembered without art, now with the art we are bound to remember things, places, and many images. There is no doubt that the natural memory is more confused and entangled by these. PHILOTIMUS: That is the "sharpness" of Chrysippus Chrysippus was a Stoic philosopher known for complex logic. and an opinion that needs to be combed out with a massive iron wool-comb. LOGIFER: Doctor Berling said that even the most learned could harvest nothing from your speech; I believe it is because he himself harvests nothing. PHILOTIMUS: Can a sea-urchin produce a chestnut? A metaphor for a prickly person being unable to produce something sweet or useful. LOGIFER: Master Maines says: "Even if it pleases everyone, it will never please me." PHILOTIMUS: Nor will the wine he never tastes. LOGIFER: That man you know to be your friend, what do you think he [says] regarding this...