Mechanical arts and theory

Meaning

Mechanical arts and profound theory are complementary accomplishments in the praise of Candale. Mechanical here means skilled practical or constructive arts, not necessarily mechanized industry, and theory names deep intellectual understanding.

The dedication attributes rare theoretical sciences and ingenuity of his own invention to the same person. This prepares the claim that recovering Hermes requires more than textual repetition: a capable interpreter combines understanding with practical resourcefulness. The praise is patronal rhetoric, not a catalogue independently verifying every achievement. Nor does it set theory and practice in the absolute opposition attacked elsewhere when merely speculative readers lack operative experience.

“Mechanical arts,” “profound theory” and “his own invention” keep the three distinct claims. The new English does not narrow invention to a patented modern device.