Bettinus privileged mathematics, intended as the only discipline abstract enough to allow intellect to approach
theology. The Jesuit mathematician held the belief that, precisely because of their abstraction, mathematical theorems and demonstrations lead one away from the mundane and toward the divine. On the contrary, he considered a research based on sense as too bound to human limitations (and, therefore, unreliable). Yet, Bettinus was a skilled
astronomer; and clues of experimental knowledge are all but invisible in his work. His best-known work is
Apiaria Universae Philosophiae Mathematicae 'Beehives of all mathematical philosophy' (1645), an encyclopedic collection of mathematical curiosities. This book, reflecting his many interests, is a collection of scientific mysteries embracing everything from geometrical demonstrations to illusionistic stage sets,
perpetual motion machines,
anamorphoses and
sundials. The second volume has a section on
music and
acoustics. According to Bettinus, the natural world abounds in mathematical delights such as spider webs and the honeycombs of bees. From these creations of nature can be drawn geometrical principles useful for mechanical, optical, and artistic designs. The
Apiaria surveys a staggering array of instruments, machines, and other tangible applications of mathematical principles. It is illustrated with beautiful
engravings of these machines, which – Bettini points out – are rough imitations of the great and perfect mechanisms provided by nature. The work included a commentary on the first six books of
Euclid, a traditional part of Jesuit mathematical curriculum and a form followed by
Clavius a half century earlier. In his
Apiaria military technologies featured prominently. His machines of war were mentioned by Montecuccoli, by the famous Jesuit mathematicians
Athanasius Kircher and
Jacques Ozanam and by the Polish master of artillery, Casimir Semenowycz. The book was a huge success throughout Europe. It was read by
John Collins and
Isaac Barrow and a copy of it can be found in the
library of the English physician and philosopher Sir
Thomas Browne. ==Publications==