Definitio quadrivii.
The Science of Number
Arithmetic is defined as the knowledge of numbers.
So arithmetic is the knowledge of numbers.
The Harmony of Many Voices
Music is defined both as the division of sounds and as the concord of dissimilar things united into one.
Music is the division and variety of sounds and voices. Or again, music—or harmony—is the concord of many dissimilar things brought together into one.
The Measure of Form
Geometry is defined as the contemplation of immovable magnitude and forms, and as the source of meanings and expressions.
Geometry is the contemplative discipline of immovable magnitude and forms, through which the boundary of each thing is typically declared. Or again, geometry is the source of meanings and the origin of expressions.
The Dance of the Heavens
Astronomy is defined as the study of the spaces, motions, and returns of celestial bodies.
Astronomy is the discipline that investigates the spaces, motions, and returns of celestial bodies at fixed times.
Read the original Latin
Arithmetica est igitur numerorum scientia. musica est divisio sonorum et vocum varietas. aliter, musica sive harmonia est plurium dissimilium in unum redactorum concordia. geometria est disciplina magnitudinis immobilis formarumque descriptio contemplativa, per quam uniuscuiusque termini declarari solent. aliter, geometria est fons sensuum et origo dictionum. astronomia est disciplina investigans spatia, motus et reditus caelestium corporum certis temporibus.
Didascalicon de Studio Legendi (On the Study of Reading) companion
Hugh said begin with small daily portions. Start tomorrow.
Chosen Portion serves one short, ordered devotional reading each day — the medieval lectio pattern, free on iOS.
Hugh taught that formation comes from ordered, incremental daily reading, and Chosen Portion is that ordered daily portion delivered to your phone.
- A curated daily portion in 2-3 minutes, no decision fatigue about what to read
- Progress through complete historic works in order, the way Hugh prescribed
- Free app plus a weekly email unpacking one reading in depth