Rubbing salted butter into the wound: Jungius and division

We expound the notion of "distinct experience" (experientia distincta) as introduced in the writings of the early modern polymath Joachim Jungius (1587-1657) and operative in his scientific practice. After contextualizing "distinct experience" historically (e.g., vis-à-vis Francis Bacon's [1561-1626] concept of "experience") and embedding the notion conceptually into the broader category of "division" (divisio), we reconstruct the "Problem of Distinct Experience": Jungius' epistemology of science involves a circularity or an infinite regress because scientific methods (inductions and demonstrations) presuppose divisions, which are, in turn, built on distinct experiences, themselves presupposing divisions. However, we argue through a careful historical case study on his investigations of fossilia that his research practice shows why the problem posed only a limited threat for him and his contemporaries. We finish with a brief philosophical appraisal, contrasting his views with those of Jacopo Zabarella (1533-1589).