Ars Brevis

7. Multiplying Figure 4

Part 7

Multiplying the Fourth Figure

The fourth figure is multiplied as follows: the first camera BCD in the fourth figure or in the table signifies that B has one condition with C, and another with D; and C has one condition with B and another with D; and D has one condition with B and another with C. In this way, this camera contains six conditions with which the intellect conditions and disposes itself to investigate, find, objectify, prove and determine the truth.

After these six conditions the intellect acquires six other conditions, by revolving the smallest circle and putting its E where its D was under C of the middle circle. Now as the cameras change, so do their conditions. In this way, the intellect habituates itself with twelve conditions, and then goes on through other cameras by multiplying and revolving the columns.

The conditions that the intellect multiplies in this way are difficult to enumerate. The intellect can evacuate thirty propositions and ninety questions from each camera just like it evacuated  twelve statements from camera BC of the third figure.

Here the intellect realizes that it has reached a very general level of artificial skill above another intellect ignorant of this Art, and that it can refute inconsistencies by showing a host of impossible conclusions to which they lead. No sophist can stand up against this kind of intellect, because the intellect of an artist trained in this Art uses primary and natural conditions, whereas the sophist uses secondary conditions taken out of their natural context, as shown in Ars Magna.