Previously Unpublished Works, Fascicle 16

...calculation) from things, then a blind ignorance embraces all things; nor are those who are ignorant of the quantity of number able to differ from brute animals." And Isidore Isidore of Seville, a 7th-century scholar and author of an influential encyclopedia introduces the same opinion in his treatise Arithmetic, and almost in the same words, saying: "Take away
5 calculation original: "compotum" from the world, and a blind ignorance embraces all things. Nor can they differ from the rest of the animals who do not know the logic original: "racionem" of counting." Regarding the praises and utilities of astronomy, Cassiodorus A 6th-century Roman statesman and monk who preserved classical learning says: "If we seek out Astronomy with a pure and temperate mind, it fills our senses, as the ancients say, with great
10 clarity. For what a thing it is to ascend to the heavens in spirit, and to examine that whole celestial mechanism original: "machinam supernam," referring to the structure of the universe (otherwise called 'supreme') with searchable logic, and through the subtlety of an observant mind to gather in some part what the secrets of such great magnitude have veiled!"
15 and he adds: "From these things it seems one may know the climates referring to geographical zones or latitudes, understand the spans of the hours, and notice the path of the moon (otherwise 'paths') for the investigation of Easter original: "inquisicione paschali," the calculation used to determine the date of the Christian holiday, so that the simple-minded are not disturbed by any confusion as to how these things occur; this does not seem
20 absurd. . . . There is also another benefit from such things that is not to be despised, if we learn from it the opportunity for sailing, the time for plowing, the heat of the summer dog-star, and the dreaded rains of autumn." Truly, he introduces the praise of Music in life, in the study of a theologian, and in many things. So that we might feel its utility,
f. 74 b 1. he brings in a universal statement, | saying: "And to embrace everything briefly: whatever is done in the
25 heavens or on the earth is not reported as being exempt from this discipline. Therefore, it is a most pleasing and exceedingly useful knowledge which raises our sense to the heavens and soothes the ears with its melody original: "modulacione"." I omit many authorities of the saints regarding the praises of these sciences, because they are not in their
30 philosophical treatises which I have placed in the Metaphysics referring to Bacon's own work of this name. This general science extends itself to all philosophical matters wherever they may be found, and it is more powerful for raising human wisdom to divine things. Both Aristotle The Greek philosopher and Avicenna Ibn Sina, the Persian philosopher and physician teach this in their own works on
35 Metaphysics, and I have demonstrated this in many ways in my own Metaphysics. This is especially true since the metaphysics of Christians ought to be more complete than that of non-believers, and extend itself more powerfully to...