Isatis herba

of divine wisdom, just as Paul, that chosen instrument of the nations, says that through the invisible works of God, they have penetrated to consider His invisible power and eternal works. Nor do I think it inappropriate to refer here to what stands written in the eighth book of the Tripartite History, chapter 1, concerning Saint Anthony. When he was asked by a certain philosopher by what consolation he sustained himself in the scarcity of books, he replied that his book was the whole of nature, that it was always present to him, that he was reading the words of God, and that it was showing him divine wisdom. Indeed, this is the other reason for my undertaking: to show that those who are considered to be in the profession of sacred letters should not be barred from the study of physical things, but that the knowledge of these things is most useful and strictly necessary for them. Regarding this, so that there may be no doubt for anyone, I shall bring forward the strongest arguments. And so that a little