Boethius, On Geometry (with other geometrical works)

A large, ornate decorative initial 'G' in blue, red, and gold. The interior of the letter features foliate scrollwork in white and blue against a red background. Long decorative pen-flourishing in red and blue extends down the left margin.

1212

Latin

Geometry is the discipline of motionless magnitude and of forms, a contemplative study through which the boundaries of each thing are customarily declared. It is also an invisible record of the philosophers, which is the breadth and dimension of the earth. It is said that the forms of this discipline first existed in Egypt due to the necessity of land boundaries, which the river Nile would overflow at the time of flooding. Those who were masters of this discipline were previously called surveyors mensores surveyors. § Varro, a most learned man, recalls that the cause of this name among the Latins came to be in this way, saying that after the dimensions of the lands were set with boundaries, and as people were wandering and in disagreement, they were gradually won over by its utility, and the cycle of the entire year was mastered by monthly measurement. Then those same surveyors were commanded to measure the year. Then he relates that the dimension of the orb of the earth was collected by a probable reason. It happened for this reason that the discipline itself received the name of Geometry, which would persist through long ages. The utility of Geometry is threefold: for capability, for health, and for the soul. For capability, such as for mechanics and architects. For health, such as for doctors. For the soul, such as for philosophers. If we seek out this art beforehand with diligent care and a moderate mind, that which is evident through fortuitous? divisions illuminates our senses with great clarity. And furthermore: for to know and to understand that entire celestial machine with investigative

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