Previously Unpublished Works, Fascicle 1

of secret experiments, nor in the thirty-seven books of Pliny’s Natural History Gaius Plinius Secundus, a Roman author whose massive encyclopedia was a primary source for medieval scientific knowledge., nor in Perspective The medieval science of optics., nor in many other hidden works of philosophy. Instead, even in the common sciences—Grammar, Logic, Natural Science, and Mathematics Or Metaphysics, or Mechanics—it is clear that very few or none reach the secret truths within them, as will be shown more deeply later in many instances.

THE FOURTH and worst sign of ignorance in human wisdom in these times is this: we know that divine truth has been completely revealed for twelve hundred and fifty years now Bacon is writing around the year 1267, dating from the birth of Christ.. This truth entirely perfects, clarifies, and confirms philosophy. The entire purpose of philosophy is to arrive at a knowledge of God through wonder at the universe. This includes his properties, both absolute and relative, regarding the creation and preservation of the world. It also includes the promise of future happiness for those who obey him, and unhappiness for those who do not, whether they are angels or men. Philosophy aims to let men live through proper worship, with all superstition removed as far as possible. It also aims for them to live in moral integrity, justice, and common peace. In this way, by despising the goods of this world for the sake of the goods of the next life, they may finally reach a state made perfect by the gathering of all good things. This is true happiness, which God himself grants to both body and soul.

Concerning all these points, and furthermore concerning Christ and the Christian law, most beautiful authorities, effective opinions, and wonderful examples are found in the books of the philosophers. These prepare men to receive the truth of the Christian faith, to retain it easily, to understand it strongly, and to approve it firmly. Such things are necessarily required for the defense and proof of the Christian religion. Because unbelievers deny the authority of Christ, the saints, and the truth of the Gospels, we must not go against them or try to instruct them through that path. Nor should anyone presume to perform miracles in this present time. Therefore, a third way must be sought. This is only through the power of philosophy, which is common to us and to them. Unbelievers cannot deny the principles of philosophy and human wisdom, nor their authors. Therefore, from these