Classical Categories
Renaissance commonplace books organized knowledge into standard headings. These categories helped scholars find and use their collected passages.
Sententiae
Memorable sayings and proverbs from classical authors
Exempla
Historical examples illustrating moral or practical points
Similitudines
Comparisons and analogies for rhetorical use
Apophthegmata
Pithy remarks attributed to famous persons
Descriptiones
Notable descriptions of places, persons, or phenomena
Moralia
Passages concerning ethics and right conduct
Naturalia
Observations about the natural world
Historica
Historical narratives and facts worth remembering
Poetica
Memorable verses and poetic passages
Philosophica
Philosophical arguments and reasoning
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