This study presents a general comprehension of the pedagogy of Wolfgang Ratke [1571-1635] and, specifically, of the philosophical bases orienting the form and content of his school manuals. It analyses the principle of harmony between Revelation, Nature and Science, the concern with the natural dispositions of children and the method which, in the case of the manuals, results in texts of a uniform format designed to follow nature’s order. In Ratke, the philosophical aspects - science- are of a general order but the teaching method - the art of teaching - is part of the lesson of things.
Foundations of school manuals; didactic organisation during XVII century; teaching in conformity with nature’s order