Remigius' Ideas on the Classification of the Seven Liberal Arts
Cora E. Lutz
In the Commentary of Remigius Auxerre on De nuptiis Mercurii et Philologiae Martianus Capella, which was written at end ninth century, there occurs an unusual tale origin seven liberal arts. According to this account, three sons Noah, upon learning impending destruction world, took two columns, one brick and stone, inscribed them knowledge arts preserve it from oblivion. The stone column survived Flood long after found in Egypt by Abraham who thus enabled restore From were transmitted Greece. Although story not commonly related Carolingian period, other tales discovery current. Generally speaking, Cicero's claim for Mercury as inventor even more prosaic accounts Egyptian Greek wise men discoverers being superseded account Hebrew that had been made popular Isidore. It is reasonable think Remigius, his commentary constantly cautioning pupils against taking Martianus' literally pointing out allegorical or poetic significance narrative, would accept its face value any versions invention Actually, discussing he gives a philosophical explanation once negate inventor. ‘The arts,’ says, ‘are naturally inherent soul cannot be thought coming elsewhere.’
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