Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 55

Chap.

Ill]

§ 17.

LIMITATION OF THE CONCEPTION

§ 17.

31

Limitation of the Conception

From of our

this it follows that the compilation of the rich mass knowledge into an alphabetical or systematic manual,

alphabeticall}^ has nothing in common with and that even if this could be done systematically, it would be the application of Encyclopedia to the exhibition of our knowledge, but could by no means be Encyclopedia itself. It likewise follows that a resume of the most important data of our knowledge must no doubt deal with the results of Encyclopedia, but is not warranted in

when arranged

Encyclopedia

;

a single instance in bearing the

And

it

name

of Encyclopedia itself.

also follows that the collection of the Jdstoria literaria

any department, and the indication of its auxiliaries, by has nothing in common with the science of EncycloEncyclopedic science is undoubtedly productive of pedia. fruits for such compendia and manuals, and is entitled to the distinction that the writers of such books deal with its results, but as a science it must be studied for its own sake. Its aim must ever be to grasp the inner organism of science If indeed, as with other sciences, it was practical as such. interests which impelled to this study, so that only afterwards the theory was discovered by which to reach the scientific method, this does by no means warrant the attempt to derive the conception of Encyclopedia from these first efforts. Here also the conception ripens only when Encyclopedia becomes conscious of the aim it has in view and has found Whatever, therefore, in the the way by which to reach it. for

itself

several existing encyclopedias serves to provide material, or

review by means of summaries, does not belong to Encyclopedia proper. It is superfluous and troublesome ballast, or it is the applicatioii of a result of Encyclopedia, while Encyclopedia proper has to indicate auxiliaries, or to simplify the

the floor only is

when

science

itself,

in its organic existence,

aim of which is not to show that that which at first

the object of investigation, the

create order in the chaos, but to

made the impression upon us

of existing chaotically, appears

on closer investigation to exist cosmically or organically.

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