“For the obtaining of these three remedies every art and every _disciplina_ was invented. In order to gain Wisdom, _Theorica_ was devised; and _Practica_ for the sake of virtue; and for Need’s sake, _Mechanica_. _Theorica_ driving out ignorance, illuminates Wisdom; _Practica_ shutting out vice, strengthens Virtue; _Mechanica_ providing against penury, tempers the infirmities of the present life. _Theorica_, in all that is and that is not, chooses to investigate the true. _Practica_ determines the correct way of living and the form of discipline, according to the institution of the virtues. _Mechanica_ occupied with fleeting things, strives to provide for the needs of the body. For the end and aim of all human actions and studies, which reason regulates, ought to look either to the reparation of the integrity of our nature or to alleviating the needs to which life is subjected. The integrity of our nature is repaired by Wisdom, to which _Theorica_ relates, and by Virtue, which _Practica_ cultivates. Need is alleviated by the administration of temporalities, to which _Mechanica_ attends. Last found of all is Logic, source of eloquence, through which the wise who understand the aforesaid principal sciences and disciplines, may discourse upon them more correctly, truly and elegantly; more correctly, through Grammar; more truly through Dialectic; more elegantly through Rhetoric.”[444] Thus the entire round of arts and sciences is connected with man’s corporeal and spiritual welfare, and is made to bear directly or indirectly on his salvation. All constitutes _doctrina_, and by _doctrina_ man is saved. This is the reason for including the arts and sciences in one tome, rightly called the _Speculum doctrinale_. We need not follow the detail, but may view as from afar the long course ploughed by Vincent through his matter. He first sketches the history of antique philosophy, and then turns to books and language, and presents a glossary of Latin synonyms. Book II. treats of Grammar, Book III. of Logic, Book IV. of _Practica scientia_ or _Ethica_, first giving pagan ethics and then passing on to the virtues of the monastic life. Book V. is a continuation of this subject. Book VI. concerns the _Scientia oeconomica_, treating of domestic economy, then of agriculture. Books VII. and VIII. take up Politica, and, having discussed political institutions, proceed to a treatment of law--the law of persons, things, and actions, according to the canon and the civil law. Books IX. and X. consider Crimes--simony, heresy, perjury, sacrilege, homicide, rape, adultery, robbery, usury. Book XI. is more cheerful, _De arte mechanica_, and tells of building, the military art, navigation, alchemy, and metals. Book XII. is Medicine, and Books XIII. and XIV. discuss Physics, in connection with the healing art. Book XV. is Natural Philosophy--animals and plants. Book XVI., _De