seven traditional arts

7/28/2019 Seven Traditional Arts

1/5

Traditionally, the arts are classified as s even although the list has been expanded to nine. These

being Architecture , Sculpture , Painting ,Music , Poetry , Dance , Theater /Cinema , with the modern additions o f Photography[15]

and Comics .[16]

The Seven Liberal Arts And Sciences,

Which are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy,are here illustrated. Grammar is the science which teaches us to express our ideas inappropriate words, which we may afterward beautify and adorn by means of Rhetoric;while Logic instructs us how to think and reason with propriety, and to make languagesubordinate to thought. Arithmetic, which is the science of computing by numbers, isabsolutely essential, not only to a thorough knowledge of all mathematical science,

but also to a proper pursuit of our daily avocations. Geometry, or the application of Arithmetic to sensible quantities, is of all sciences the most important, since by it weare enabled to measure and survey the globe that we inhabit. Its principles extend toother spheres; and, occupied in the contemplation and measurement of the sun, moon,and heavenly bodies, constitute the science of Astronomy; and, lastly, when our mindsare filled, and our thoughts enlarged, by the contemplation of all the wonders whichthese sciences open to our view, Music comes forward, to soften our hearts andcultivate our affections by its soothing influences.

GRAMMAR

Is the key by which alone the door can be opened to the understanding of speech. It isGrammar which reveals the admirable art of language, and unfolds its variousconstituent parts its names, definitions, and respective offices; it unravels, as it were,the thread of which the web of speech is composed. These reflections seldom occur toany one before their acquaintance with the art; yet it is most certain that, without aknowledge of Grammar, it is very difficult to speak with propriety, precision, and

purity.

RHETORIC.

It is by Rhetoric that the art of speaking eloquently is acquired. To be an eloquentspeaker, in the proper sense of the word, is far from being either a common or an easyattainment: it is the art of being persuasive and commanding; the art, not only of

pleasing the fancy, but of speaking both to the understanding and to the heart.

LOGIC

Is that science which directs us how to form clear and distinct ideas of things, andthereby prevents us from being misled by their similitude or resemblance. Of all the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculpturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculpturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculpturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paintinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paintinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theaterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theaterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_arts#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_arts#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_arts#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_arts#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theaterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paintinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculpturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture


2/5

human sciences, that concerning man is certainly most worthy of the human mind,and the proper manner of conducting its several powers in the attainment of truth andknowledge. This science ought to be cultivated as the foundation or ground-work of our inquiries; particularly in the pursuit of those sublime principles which claim our attention as Masons.

p. 150

ARITHMETIC

Is the art of numbering, or that part of the mathematics which considers the propertiesof numbers in general. We have but a very imperfect idea of things without quantity,and as imperfect of quantity itself, without the help of Arithmetic. All the works of theAlmighty are made in number, weight, and measure; therefore, to understand themrightly, we ought to understand arithmetical calculations; and the greater advancement

we make in the mathematical sciences, the more capable we shall be of consideringsuch things as are the ordinary objects of our conceptions, and be thereby led to amore comprehensive knowledge of our great Creator and the works of the creation.

GEOMETRY

Treats of the powers and properties of magnitudes in general, where length, breadth,and thickness are considered from a point to a line , from a line to a superfices , andfrom a superfices to a solid .

A point is the beginning of all geometrical matter.A line is a continuation of the same.

p. 151

A superfices is length and breadth, without a given thickness.

A solid is length and breadth, with a given thickness, which forms a cube, andcomprehends the whole.

THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.

By this science, the architect is enabled to construct his plans and execute his designs;the general, to arrange his soldiers; the engineer, to mark out grounds for encampments; the geographer, to give us the dimensions of the world, and all thingstherein contained; to delineate the extent of seas, and specify the divisions of empires,kingdoms, and provinces. By it, also, the astronomer is enabled to make his


3/5

observations, and to fix the duration of times and seasons, years and cycles. In fine,Geometry is the foundation of architecture, and the root of the mathematics.

The contemplation of this science, in a moral and comprehensive view, fills the mindwith rapture. To the true geometrician, the regions of matter with which he issurrounded afford ample scope for his admiration, while they open a sublime field for his inquiry and disquisition.

Every particle of matter on which he treads, every blade of grass which covers thefield, every flower which blows, and every infect which wings its way in thisexpanded space, proves the existence of a First Cause, and yields pleasure to theintelligent mind.

The symmetry, beauty, and order displayed in the various parts

p. 152 of the animate and inanimate creation, is a pleasing and delightful theme, andnaturally leads to the source whence the whole is derived. When we bring within thefocus of the eye the variegated carpet of the terrestrial theater, and survey the progressof the vegetative system, our admiration is justly excited. Every plant which grows,every flowering shrub which breathes its sweets, affords instruction and delight.When we extend our views to the animal creation, and contemplate the varied clothingof every species, we are equally struck with astonishment. And when we trace thelines of geometry drawn by the Divine pencil in the beautiful plumage of the feathered

tribe, how exalted is our conception of the heavenly work! The admirable structure of plants and animals, and the infinite number of fibers and vessels which run throughthe whole, with the apt disposition of one part to another, is a perpetual subject of study to the geometrician, who, while he adverts to the changes which all undergo intheir progress to maturity, is lost in rapture and veneration of the Great Cause whichgoverns the system.

When he descends into the bowels of the earth, and explores the kingdom of ores,minerals, and fossils, he finds the same instances of Divine Wisdom and Goodnessdisplayed in their formation and structure: every gem and pebble proclaims the

handiwork of an Almighty Creator.

When he surveys the watery elements, and directs his attention to the wonders of thedeep, with all the inhabitants of the mighty ocean, he perceives emblems of the samesupreme intelligence. The scales of the largest fish, as well as the penciled shell of theminutest bivalve, equally yield a theme for his contemplation, on which he fondly


4/5

dwells, while the symmetry of their formation, and the delicacy of their tints, evincethe wisdom of the Divine Artist.

When he exalts his view to the more noble and elevated parts of Nature, and surveysthe celestial orbs, how much greater is his astonishment! If, on the principles of geometry and true philosophy, he contemplate the sun, the moon, the stars, and thewhole concave of heaven, his pride will be humbled, while he is lost in awfuladmiration of the Maker. The immense magnitude of those bodies, the regularity andvelocity of their motions, and the inconceivable extent of space through which theymove, are equally wonderful and incomprehensible, so as to baffle his most daringconceptions, while he labors in considering the immensity of the theme!

p. 153

MUSIC

Is that elevated science which affects the passions by sound. There are few who havenot felt its charms, and acknowledged its expression to be intelligible to the heart. It isa language of delightful sensations, far more eloquent than words; it breathes to theear the clearest intimations; it touches and gently agitates the agreeable and sublime

passions; it wraps us in melancholy, and elevates us in joy; it dissolves and inflames;it melts us in tenderness, and excites us to war. This science is truly congenial to thenature of man; for by its powerful charms the most discordant passions may beharmonized, and brought into perfect unison; but it never sounds with such seraphicharmony as when employed in singing hymns of gratitude to the Creator of the

universe.

ASTRONOMY

Is that sublime science which inspires the contemplative mind to soar aloft, and readthe wisdom, strength, and beauty of the great Creator in the heavens. How noblyeloquent of the Deity is the celestial hemisphere! spangled with the mostmagnificent heralds of his infinite

p. 154

glory! They spear-to the whole universe; for there is no speech so barbarous, but their language is understood; nor nation so distant, but their voices are heard among them.

The heavens proclaim the glory of GOD;The firmament declareth the works of his hands.


5/5

Assisted by Astronomy, we ascertain the laws which govern the heavenly bodies, and by which their motions are directed; investigate the power by which they circulate intheir orbs, discover their size, determine their distance, explain their various

phenomena, and correct the fallacy of the senses by the light of truth. *

http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar45.htm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar46.htm#fn_25http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar46.htm#fn_25http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar46.htm#fn_25http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar45.htmhttp://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar45.htmhttp://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar45.htmhttp://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/gar/gar46.htm#fn_25

seven traditional arts

Documents