On the Philosophy of Discovery, Chapters Historical and Critical

by William Whewell

[62] Opus Majus, Præf.

[63] Contents of Roger Bacon's Opus Majus.

Part I. On the four causes of human ignorance:—Authority, Custom, Popular Opinion, and the Pride of supposed Knowledge.

Part II. On the source of perfect wisdom in the Sacred Scripture.

Part III. On the Usefulness of Grammar.

Part IV. On the Usefulness of Mathematics.

(1) The necessity of Mathematics in Human Things (published separately as the Specula Mathematica).

(2) The necessity of Mathematics in Divine Things.—1^o. This study has occupied holy men: 2^o. Geography: 3^o. Chronology: 4^o. Cycles; the Golden Number, &c.: 5^o. Natural Phenomena, as the Rainbow: 6^o. Arithmetic: 7^o. Music.

(3) The necessity of Mathematics in Ecclesiastical Things. 1^o. The Certification of Faith: 2^o. The Correction of the Calendar.

(4) The necessity of Mathematics in the State.—1^o. Of Climates: 2^o. Hydrography: 3^o. Geography: 4^o. Astrology.