The term synkretismos has been used by Plutarchus to indicate the unity-front of the people of Kreta. Although they quarrelled among themselves constantly, towards strangers from overseas they formed one front. Erasmus re-introduced the word. He meant to indicate a harmonisation of contrary tendencies with it. In this sense the title of this work has to be understood: a number of substantial parts in diverge ways, which nevertheless go together in a harmonious way.
