reason necessarily inferior to those of science.

     Artificial separation of mental modes in the interests of 
homogeneity conveyed a sentiment of certitude to Descartes 
and his time. A century of more and more rapid movement of 
information by print had developed new sensibilities. In Nef’s 
words (p. 8):

          During the hundred years that followed Rabelais’ 
     death in 1553, there are many indications that exact 
     time, exact quantities, exact distances were coming to 
     have a greatly increased interest for men and women in 
     connection with private and public life. One of the most 
     impressive examples of the new concern with precision 
     was the action taken by the Church of Rome to provide a 
     more exact calendar. Throughout the Middle Ages the