Présentation du contenu

Source des données : Mmmonk

• This manuscript contains the 'Secunda secundae partis' of the Summa Theologica of the pre-eminent scholastic theologian Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). In three parts, of which part II is divided into two sub parts (prima secundae and secunda secundae), Aquinas condensed practically all knowledge on theology, science, and philosophy. It has since become one of the major works of medieval Christianity. Part II discusses ethics and morality, with the 'secunda secundae' treating - in 189 questions - the theological virtues, the cardinal virtues, the graces, and the states of life. Apart from the text itself, an index is present at the end of the work. On the basis of physical characteristics, it is assumed that this manuscript has a background similar to mss. 195, 197 and 199. As these volumes correspond to parts I, II.1 ('prima secundae') and III, it is possible that ms. 563 completed the set as the fourth volume. If this is indeed the case, then the manuscript might have been written in northern France or Hainaut. It is however somewhat younger than the others, dating from the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century. The ownership marks present in the other three volumes is missing here, although the cross-shaped stamp of Ten Duinen is found on the first and last leaves. The text is presented in two columns per page, with initials in red and blue ink. Extra attention is given to the first initial, which has been gilded and is elaborately decorated with penwork reaching into the margins. The volume appears to have been severely damaged, with over 80 leaves missing and the gilded initial in poor condition. The manuscript is bound in - again heavily damaged - blindstamped calf over wooden boards. [Summary by Dr. Mark Vermeer]