Rational Thoughts on the Powers of Human Understanding (German Logic)

A rectangular woodcut illustration at the top of the page depicting a formal garden or courtyard. In the center is an architectural fountain with a triangular pediment. Two figures are seated on either side of the scene. The figure on the left is draped in a cloak and sits near lush vegetation. The figure on the right is also seated and holds up a small object, possibly a compass or a balance. The background shows structured plantings and trees.

Preface.

Gentle Reader,

Man has received nothing more excellent from GOD than his intellect The original German "Verstand" refers to the faculty of understanding or reason: for as soon as he is disturbed in the same, he immediately becomes either a child, or worse than a wild beast, and is thus unfit to honor God and to serve mankind. In such a manner, one can be called a human being all the more, the more he knows how to use the powers of his intellect. And therefore everyone, but especially he who wishes to be or become a scholar Gelehrter: a person of learning or a member of the academic class, should strive with right zeal toward how he might attain such a quickened spir—