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.