“Number Mystique” in Early Medieval Computus Texts
Faith Wallis
Around A.D. 1011, the English monk Byrhtferth of Ramsey composed a manual computus, science time-reckoning and calendar construction. 1 The first three books his Enchiridion explain basic structure Julian solar calendar, lunar cycle, rules for coordinating two to determine date Easter. fourth final book, however, is not about time or problems; rather, it “a handbook Christian exegesis numbers”, drawn almost entirely from theological sources. 2 Byrhtferth's own computus teacher, Abbo Fleury, also wrote an exposition metaphysics number, but based on Boethius' mathematical logical writings, cast as commentary multiplication table designed by fifth-century mathematician computist, Victorius Aquitaine. 3 Abbo's numerology stands in neo-Pythagorean neo-Platonic tradition number represented manuals Nicomachus Gerasa, conveyed Latin West De arithmetica . This “philosophical numerology” derives meaning numbers their properties: example, characterizes seven “virgin number” symbolizing wisdom soul, because only less than ten which product factor any other ten. 4 Byrhtferth, represents what might be called “allegorical numerology”, where derive meanings correspondence Biblical events concepts, alone combination (usually addition multiplication). 5 Byrthferth makes no mention “virginity” seven, save perhaps elliptical statement that “the commences with unity (that is, one) thus proceeds reverently, complete holiness, triumph its perfection”. 6 Rather, meaningful sum three, Trinity, four, Gospels, gifts Holy Spirit are seven.
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