A rectangular woodcut headpiece featuring symmetrical scrolling acanthus leaves and floral motifs. In the center is a floral bud, and at each end, the foliage terminates in the head of a hound or mythical beast looking outward.

TO THE MOST SERENE

AND CATHOLIC KING PHILIP,

GIOVANNI BATTISTA DELLA PORTA

OF NAPLES.

SENDS GREETING. original: "S. D." stands for "Salutem Dicit," a standard Latin salutation meaning "sends greeting" or "wishes health."

A large historiated drop cap 'E' ornate with vine and leaf patterns within a square border.
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN of such a mind, Most Invincible King, that if there were anything anywhere either great or wonderful, in which the powers of the mind might be tested and humbled, I would delight in it, and wish to devote myself entirely to it. For a long time, from my earliest childhood, I have considered with a certain tireless zeal what science In the 16th century, "scientia" referred to a systematic body of knowledge or certain understanding, rather than the modern laboratory-based method. might be neither unworthy of this mind of mine, nor lacking in nobility and Royal character. At last I discovered that there is no greater work for a wise man than to produce wondrous works, by which indeed not only is the mind nourished through understanding, but all the senses of the body are also enticed and refreshed by these experiences. This sublime science is occupied with the knowledge of things and their causes; and while it pursues and investigates the secrets of nature, original: "naturæ arcana." This refers to the hidden properties of plants, minerals, and animals that "natural magic" sought to uncover and utilize. it produces not only common works, as is seen in many things, but—having cast aside all superstition—it brings forth certain marvels and miracles of Nature. Thus it so excels all others (excepting, of course, divine Philosophy) that the other arts and sciences seem to serve it as if it were a queen. Therefore, I rightly judge it to be as lofty and royal above the rest as it is by far the most difficult. For Cicero Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE), the Roman statesman and orator whose writings were the gold standard for Latin style and philosophy during the Renaissance. says: No one among...