52/55 But for this error, based upon a text supposed to be inspired, it is unlikely that Columbus could have secured the necessary support for his voyage. It is a curious fact that this single theological error thus promoted a series of voyages which completely destroyed not only this but every other conception of geography based upon the sacred writings.( 37) (37) For this error, so fruitful in discovery, see D'Ailly, Ymago Mundi; the passage referred to is fol. For the passage from Esdras, see chap. vi, verses 42, 47, 50, and 52; see also Zockler, Geschichte der Beziehungen zwischen Theologie und Naturweissenschaft, vol.i, p.461.For one of the best recent statements, see Ruge, Gesch. |