To the most distinguished man,

LORD GEORGIUS

SCHUMACHER, PETRUS LAUREM-

BERGIUS SENDS HEARTIEST GREETINGS (S. P. D.).

Most wise SCHUMACHER, the same thing that is accustomed to happen with coins (nummis), which a prince sees fit to strike with a particular emblem and circulate among the common people, likewise happens with the little books (libellis) by which men of some learning and reputation set out to promote the public benefit of the republic of letters (rei literariae). We handle both with curiosity, inspect them, turn them over, and if they display anything memorable, we read them; indeed, each of us interprets them according to the judgment of our own natural inclination (genii). An example may be found (not to look further afield) in this little work (opusculum) of Cornelius Drebbel on the Elements (de Elementis), which almost everyone has handled with a solicitous and diligent hand during these past few years.

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Hoc solùm