PIETER RABUS.

PHILOSOPHY, the Queen of sciences, points with her scepter toward NATURE, who was previously veiled but is now clearly visible. Before her are various offspring of Nature, whose birth and procreation are contemplated through glass eyes A reference to the lenses of the microscope by keen INQUIRY, who is distinguished by winged temples and a garment covered in eyes. Toward her, eager DILIGENCE drags the unwilling ERROR, who is deformed by a missing hand, bound eyes, and the ears of a donkey. Three men, who rejoice in being called Philosophers, have not yet reached the threshold: the first a superstitious Jew, the second an overly-credulous Christian, and the third a Pagan from the school of Aristotle (carrying "hidden qualities" original: "occultas qualitates" — a critique of old scholastic physics that explained phenomena by naming mysterious "qualities" rather than observing physical causes upon his shoulders). Upon that threshold sits TRUTH herself, requiring no finery or adornment, and trampling the horrific ENVY under her feet. A divine light from heaven shines down upon the craftsmanship of Leeuwenhoek.