The Literary History of the Middle Ages; Comprehending an Account of the State of Learning from the Close of the Reign of Augustus, to Its Revival in the Fifteenth Century (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 Excerpt: ...marked homage to the virtues or the peculiar talents of the professors. Amongst the advantages to the cause of literature which seemed to result from the institution of the monastic orders, I think that I omitted one which was already become manifest. We have seen the learned teachers, whatever might have been the country of their nativity, pass from city to city, diffusing knowledge and inciting to the acquisition by their example. They sometimes resided many years in a place, at other times their stay was transient, but at all times it was regulated by the will of the superior, and that was done which he deemed expedient. It did not depend on the individual inclination of Aquinas whether he studied in Italy, at Cologne, or at Paris; or whether he taught in these or in other cities. This was prescribed by the proper authority, and he obeyed. Thus a commonwealth of letters was established, first for the benefit of the order, and then for that of the public of all nations. The ablest members of this fraternity went in search of learning wherever it could be obtained with most convenience and advantage, and afterwards distributed the same through a hundred channels. The Latin language, which was known to all, was the universal vehicle of communication. Before this there was a general complaint that teachers could not be found unless the salaries were adequate to their wishes. But when the monastic orders began to teach, men of the first talents entered themselves in the list of instructors, and from that moment the partial attachments of kindred and of country being generously suspended, the abilities of individuals were devoted to the good of all. But Paris was the principal theatre, which was frequented by an incredible number of students, so fascinating co...