propædia

Propædia is a term that can refer to several different concepts, primarily within the context of encyclopedic works.

In the context of the Encyclopædia Britannica, the Propædia was the first volume of its 15th edition, published in 1974. Its purpose was to provide a comprehensive and organized overview of all human knowledge, serving as a guide and introduction to the entire encyclopedia. It presented knowledge in a systematic arrangement of concepts, outlining the structure and content of the Britannica's other volumes, the Micropædia and the Macropædia. The Propædia aimed to show the relationships between different fields of study and to offer a framework for understanding the vast scope of information contained within the encyclopedia. It was a significant departure from previous encyclopedic structures, emphasizing a more conceptual and interdisciplinary approach.

The term "propædia" itself derives from Greek roots, meaning "before" and "teaching" or "instruction." This etymology reflects its intended function as a preliminary guide or introductory teaching tool. While the Britannica's Propædia was a specific component of a particular edition, the concept of a propædia as an introductory or organizing volume can be applied more broadly to other encyclopedic or knowledge-based projects. Its legacy lies in its attempt to provide a structured entry point into a large body of information, fostering a more integrated understanding of knowledge.