books should be put on the Index? These and similar cases could not be covered so clearly by the general decrees.
What has thus far been said, offers a partial solution of another current error. The Index is not a studiously selected, not even a systematically arranged catalogue of objectionable books. It was the need of the moment, doctrinal blunders, cavillations and heresies, grievous trespasses against discipline and charity, proceeding from animosity or want of tact, that caused the insertion of most of the books. In nearly all cases the Roman authorities confined themselves to books concerning which they were appealed to; and as there was no system in the making of these appeals, there could be no system in the condemnations. In the new Leonine edition of the Index the books are enumerated alphabetically by authors or pseudonyms; anonymous books are listed according to titles.
It must now be obvious to the attentive reader why most of the books put on the Index are works on theology, or on the history and government of the Church, and
