ABSTRACT
The phrase Scientia artis musice, which appears in the title of the prooemium and on two successive occasions in the text of the treatise, proclaims Helie Salomon's intention to treat not only scientia but also ars. The Scientia artis musice begins with a paean in praise of music, whose creation is said to have been coeval with that of the angels. In the Scientia artis musice Helie expresses his preference for what would now be called an "equalist" interpretation of Gregorian rhythm, in which respect he was not alone among his contemporaries. Taking up the "key" metaphor, Helie calls the musical hand (Palma)—a central element in his teaching—a "key" that opens up Scientia artis musice. Because the art of music stems from a divine mandate, a weak beginning must derive from human frailty and wantonness, as do all the faults condemned in the Scientia artis musice.
