Book of Causes

It did not detract from Haneberg’s merit when his statements about the Hebrew versions of the book de causis prompted M. Steinschneider to remark: "The more we rejoice when the research of Jewish scholarship is utilized in ever-wider circles and thus completed through reciprocity, the more we see with regret how difficult it is for Christian scholars to obtain the relevant writings" ... The detailed note on those Hebrew texts that Steinschneider published in the course of this remark 1 was, however, a all the more valuable supplement to Haneberg’s work, as it came from the most authoritative source.

Steinschneider concluded with the expression of the wish that someone might publish the Arabic text of the book de causis, "which has long been influential in its manifold versions and under various titles."

The wish for a revised edition of the old Latin translation was also suggested and, to a certain extent, challenged by Haneberg’s explanations, insofar as this translation had to form the basis for every attempt at a closer determination of the influence that the book de causis exerted on the Christian speculation of the Middle Ages.

Herr Professor Dr. C. S. Barach in Innsbruck had already announced an edition of this Latin translation 2 when the news of the processing of the book de causis intended by the Görres Society caused him to refrain from his project or at least to postpone its execution. 3