TO MASTER M.

FRANÇOIS THYBOUREL

OF GORZE, FAMOUS SURGEON

AND MATHEMATICIAN AT THE

celebrated University of PONT-À-

MOUSSON in Lorraine. The University of Pont-à-Mousson was a prestigious Jesuit institution founded in 1572, becoming a major intellectual center in the Duchy of Lorraine.

LYRICAL ODE.

It was but a small thing for Charon to have steered the Ferry, Charon was the ferryman of Greek mythology who transported souls across the river Styx to the underworld.

Great Chiron of Mortals:

Chiron was the wise Centaur of myth, famous for his knowledge of medicine and for tutoring heroes like Achilles. The poet puns on "Charon" and "Chiron" to contrast death with Thybourel’s life-saving medical skills. And to have given the distinguished mark of your fine spirit,

Which raises Altars to you.

If, reincarnated as another Archimedes, The poet uses the term "metempsychosis" (the transmigration of souls) to suggest the spirit of the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes lives on in Thybourel.

Through instruments of war

One did not show how, when, and by what remedy

One wins Laurels.

Laurels were symbols of victory and achievement in antiquity. You thus place all Princes under obligation, Thybourel,

Throughout the Christian Empire.

You thus bring praise to our provinces,

Through this volume of yours.

By MATTHIEU REGNAULD, native of

GORZE, DOCTOR of laws, LIEU-

TENANT General to the Government of

the Land & sovereign Lordship of

Gorze, and grand FORESTER therein.

original: "Gruyer." A high-ranking judicial and administrative official responsible for the Duke's forests, waters, and hunting rights.