Arithmetica Sacra: or the Scripture Accountant. Being a brief Treatise of Numbers Literal & Mistical mentioned in Holy Writ. In Two Parts [manuscript], 1701.
1701
Items
Details
Title
Arithmetica Sacra: or the Scripture Accountant. Being a brief Treatise of Numbers Literal & Mistical mentioned in Holy Writ. In Two Parts [manuscript], 1701.
Created/published
England?, 1701.
Description
1 volume ; 21 x 17 cm
Associated name
Philagathos, active 1689, author.
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
From dealer's description: "This truly extraordinary manuscript publication, written under the pseudonym Philagathos, is both a work of serious scholarly study and a visual delight. The author was clearly deeply immersed in the visual and intellectual culture of manuscript publication and exchange in Early Modern England. His book has been produced to an extremely high standard and it demonstrates a desire to have the work circulated - to be read and understood by others. But although the presentation of the manuscript strongly imitates printed books, our author shows no apparent desire to be published in print. It appears, then, to be an active choice; although they had a desire to be read and understood, they wished to circumscribe their readership to a select circle, one that perhaps understood what loving what is good meant. The book is well structured, and there is evidence he has written other works. The two main themes are separated into sections, with the first part creating the basis for the development of more complex ideas explored in the second part. The ideas within each section linked logically and consecutively, forming a sustained and coherent argument. He has a firm grasp of Ancient Greek and Hebrew and delves into etymologies. He believes that the Bible contains the numbers that it does for a reason; they were not put there randomly, therefore there is much to be gained by an understanding of their function within scripture. He first tackles practical numbers in the Bible and then moves to mystical interpretation of numbers. Meticulous throughout, the manuscript has been executed to an exceptionally high standard with a level of exactitude and simple beauty that is seldom encountered. All of its elements are executed in the manner of a printed book, but as noted above, he does not show any wish to be seen in print. Instead, he uses the gravitas of a printed book’s visual appearance whilst simultaneously occupying a space outside of the printed book’s conventions.
From dealer's description: "This truly extraordinary manuscript publication, written under the pseudonym Philagathos, is both a work of serious scholarly study and a visual delight. The author was clearly deeply immersed in the visual and intellectual culture of manuscript publication and exchange in Early Modern England. His book has been produced to an extremely high standard and it demonstrates a desire to have the work circulated - to be read and understood by others. But although the presentation of the manuscript strongly imitates printed books, our author shows no apparent desire to be published in print. It appears, then, to be an active choice; although they had a desire to be read and understood, they wished to circumscribe their readership to a select circle, one that perhaps understood what loving what is good meant. The book is well structured, and there is evidence he has written other works. The two main themes are separated into sections, with the first part creating the basis for the development of more complex ideas explored in the second part. The ideas within each section linked logically and consecutively, forming a sustained and coherent argument. He has a firm grasp of Ancient Greek and Hebrew and delves into etymologies. He believes that the Bible contains the numbers that it does for a reason; they were not put there randomly, therefore there is much to be gained by an understanding of their function within scripture. He first tackles practical numbers in the Bible and then moves to mystical interpretation of numbers. Meticulous throughout, the manuscript has been executed to an exceptionally high standard with a level of exactitude and simple beauty that is seldom encountered. All of its elements are executed in the manner of a printed book, but as noted above, he does not show any wish to be seen in print. Instead, he uses the gravitas of a printed book’s visual appearance whilst simultaneously occupying a space outside of the printed book’s conventions.
Genre/form
Manuscripts (documents)
Place of creation/publication
Great Britain -- England.
Item Details
Call number
W.a.522
Folger-specific note
From dealer's description: "This truly extraordinary manuscript publication, written under the pseudonym Philagathos, is both a work of serious scholarly study and a visual delight. The author was clearly deeply immersed in the visual and intellectual culture of manuscript publication and exchange in Early Modern England. His book has been produced to an extremely high standard and it demonstrates a desire to have the work circulated - to be read and understood by others. But although the presentation of the manuscript strongly imitates printed books, our author shows no apparent desire to be published in print. It appears, then, to be an active choice; although they had a desire to be read and understood, they wished to circumscribe their readership to a select circle, one that perhaps understood what loving what is good meant. The book is well structured, and there is evidence he has written other works. The two main themes are separated into sections, with the first part creating the basis for the development of more complex ideas explored in the second part. The ideas within each section linked logically and consecutively, forming a sustained and coherent argument. He has a firm grasp of Ancient Greek and Hebrew and delves into etymologies. He believes that the Bible contains the numbers that it does for a reason; they were not put there randomly, therefore there is much to be gained by an understanding of their function within scripture. He first tackles practical numbers in the Bible and then moves to mystical interpretation of numbers. Meticulous throughout, the manuscript has been executed to an exceptionally high standard with a level of exactitude and simple beauty that is seldom encountered. All of its elements are executed in the manner of a printed book, but as noted above, he does not show any wish to be seen in print. Instead, he uses the gravitas of a printed book’s visual appearance whilst simultaneously occupying a space outside of the printed book’s conventions. Ordered from Dean Byass, D 9181, 2018- 02-22, "Armory Athenaeum" catalog, item 7571.
Folger accession
270159