The object of this edition is to provide a text of the De Sacramento Altaris of William of Ockham based on the examination of three manuscripts and three text editions. It is hoped that this most important work, which is now easily accessible to scholars, may lead to a re-examination of the philosophical, psychological, theological, and ecclesiastical problems of the stirring times of Ockham and his immediate successors. It is also hoped that this work may give rise to a renewed and careful study of Nominalism—its vitality, its influence in re-shaping philosophical systems, in developing new psychological procedures and theological doctrines, and in modifying ecclesiastical policies and political theories.
Literary style and finish have been made secondary to accuracy of translation. A rather literal translation may be expected to aid the reader to obtain the precise thought of the Latin text and to carry along important shades of meaning of words and of expressions.
The critical apparatus contains the various readings which may give rise to modifications of the meaning of a passage.
With few exceptions, for the sake of brevity, the notes on the text are limited to the citation of various writers and to the places where references are found.
I am under obligation to Professor John C. Rolfe, Ph.D., Lit.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, for instruction and direction in the study of Palæography and Epigraphy, which have held me to a continued interest in these subjects.
For assistance and criticism in the preparation of the Latin text and the English translation, I am indebted to Professor Walton Brooks McDaniel, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, whose comprehensive knowledge of Latin was placed at my service; to Dr. Edwin F. Keever, while a graduate student of Harvard University, who shared with me his knowledge of the philosophy of the period of Ockham and acquaintance with the Latin abbreviations; and to my wife, Sarah Caroline Birch, for her knowledge of Latin abbreviations and of the Latin structure of the period, and for the untiring service rendered by her during the entire period of preparation of the text.
For his critical examination of the Latin text, for many discerning and scholarly suggestions relative to it, and for his keen, painstaking reading of the proof of the Latin text, I am indebted to my colleague, Jens Anderson Ness, Ph.D., Professor of Latin.
For many valuable suggestions and assistance in the preparation of the bibliography, I am indebted to my colleague, John O. Evjen, Ph.D., D.D., Professor of Church History.
For the original suggestion of the need of a readily accessible and critical edition of Ockham’s De Sacramento Altaris and for continued encouragement to complete the task, I am indebted to Professor Frank P. Manhart, D.D., LL.D., Dean of the Theological Seminary of Susquehanna University.
Miss Grace Prince, A.M., the librarian of Wittenberg College, and William H. Allen, bookseller, Philadelphia, have given valued assistance in locating and securing important books and material.
Acknowledgment should here be made of the uniform courtesy and assistance in securing access to the works of Ockham, rendered by the librarians of many institutions, including: Balliol College, Merton College; the Universities of Paris, Rouen, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Yale; Gettysburg Seminary; and the public libraries of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
The librarians of the Universities of Munich and Venice, and of the Congressional Library of Washington, D. C., have at various times supplied valuable data.
Scholars interested in this text will join me in appreciation of the courage, taste, skill manifested by the Lutheran Literary Board in publishing this work, and in appreciation of the singular accuracy and care of its readers and compositors.
For valuable information about the birthplace of Ockham, the origin of his name, details of his life and activities, I am greatly indebted to The Rt. Hon. Mary, Countess of Lovelace, who is the present owner of Ockham Park.
To President Rees Edgar Tulloss, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., of Wittenberg College, my thanks are due for encouragement, many necessary and valuable suggestions, and the leisure secured by release from full-time teaching and various extra-curricular activities.
As Harrison Scholar, at the University of Pennsylvania, 1905-1906, and as Harrison Fellow, 1906-1908, I shared in the benefits made possible by the generosity of the late Dr. Charles C. Harrison, former provost of the university, who established the George Leib Harrison Foundation in order to encourage scientific study and research.
A Latin text and an English translation based upon the text edition, Strassburg, 1491, were submitted in 1908 as a thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania.
T. Bruce Birch
Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, November 30, 1929.