DEDICATION.

...ons; and so that I might offer my services, such as they are, whenever the opportunity arose—as if in passing—in the presence of the most watchful Chancellors and the Physician at Bückeburg original: "Bokelburgi"; the residence of Count Ernst. Maier served as a physician and counselor here., which I understood were not unwelcome to him. Hence, I could not pass by without dedicating, transmitting, and presenting to Your Highness original: "Celsitudo"; a formal title of address for a high-ranking noble. these Symbols of the Golden Table of the 12 Nations. Although this work was born from a weary hand, I believe it will be very useful and well-received by many. I wish it might seem sufficiently elegant and polished to Your Highness, who delights above all in the most refined and precious things. Furthermore, Your Highness’s inclination toward the learned order and toward literature is so great that the philosophers who champion Chemistry original: "Chemiæ"; in Maier's time, this term referred to both practical lab work and the philosophical pursuit of the "Philosopher's Stone." may rightly congratulate themselves on having such a great Guardian to defend them against any force or injustice. Nor, in truth, do I value this labor of mine so highly as to think it worthy of being offered to such a great Count. Yet, because Your Highness possesses such innate kindness and favorable support for studies that you do not neglect even the smaller sketches of the learned, but receive them with a benevolent look and hand, surveying and unrolling them with a curious eye and mind; hence, I have somewhat boldly inscribed Your Highness’s name upon my pages. I strive with the greatest prayers I can offer that you might receive this with a kind spirit. Your Highness will always find me most ready in your service. I commend you to God, the Best and Greatest. Given at Frankfurt on the Main, in the month of December, in the year 1616.