D E D I C A T I O N .

...by all Harmonies attempted, and by which Physician: and how I even depicted this Physician in vivid colors long ago in my book on the New Star original: "stella noua." Kepler refers to the supernova of 1604, which he described in his 1606 treatise. He often used astronomical events to reflect on earthly politics.? But what reward will there be for the effort if, while striving for Harmony with my private noise, I do not overcome the public clamor because of the weakness of my lungs original: "imbecillitate laterum." A common Latin idiom for physical stamina or the strength of one’s voice., and instead increase the annoyances of discordant sound in my own ears? It must indeed be confessed—alas!—that the cross-cut wound original: "vulnus decussatum." Kepler is likely referring to the religious and political divisions of Europe, shaped like a cross.—or if we prefer a more sacred and auspicious word, the cruciform wound—is still swollen with many lips; and since none of them are closing, the medicine has so far been ineffective and mocked on all sides. This is because the Physician, in order to deceive a delirious patient into taking the medicine,
and none ...?

adds many things at once, and many things that seem to deviate greatly from sound reason. I am revived, however, by this very thought: that the supreme Healer original: "Curator." Kepler identifies God as the ultimate doctor of a broken world. of our wounds is certain of His art, and applies nothing in vain. Therefore, He who has already begun the cure, who has already prepared and shown to the world these healing remedies original: "consolidantia," referring to medicines that close wounds.; meanwhile, through public calamities, He uses corrosive agents original: "erodentibus," substances used to eat away dead flesh. until—the putrid and wild flesh of extinguished charity being consumed—some sensation of pain reaches the depth of the living flesh. He will undoubtedly also use soothing treatments very soon to reduce the swellings, so that there may finally be a place for those healing remedies; and at last, this long-lasting Dissonance (to return to the proposed example) may end in pure and lasting Harmony. In this hope, even against hope, I am confirmed not only by the success of my Harmonic speculations—as one whose success far exceeds his boldness in searching—but also by this fact: that among other things necessary for the perfection of the Work, which for so many years have remained in their original place, I have seen Your Royal Majesty, to whom I had destined the patronage of this work before it began, safe and flourishing until now. Nor shall I cease to strive with devoted prayers to God, the author of Peace and Concord, that...