Pt. 1. On memory and history. Battles and bigwigs: ancient and modern, sacred and civil history
Deviations and wonders: the natural history of land, sea, animals, and vegetables
Fish or weapon: the natural history of crafts and manufactures
pt. 2. On reason and science. Links in the chain of being: the science of God: theology, religion, and superstition
Letters in plain sight: The science of humanity: thinking, remembering, communicating
Sin versus virtue: ethics and law
Modus mundi: the science of nature: physics, mathematics, geography
Ugly bags of mostly water: zoology, physiology, medicine
The wild blue yonder and what's below: astronomy, meteorology, botany, mineralogy, chemistry
pt. 3. On imagination, poetry, and art. Perfect circles: sacred and profane art: painting, sculpture, architecture
Rhapsodies in bloom: music theory and practice
Love songs and lost words: literature, drama, narrative.