The Pendulum Clock

I am accustomed to congratulate myself no small amount for the right of discovery original: "jus inventi" that has fallen within your times. Nor will anyone now ask, I think—at least anyone who understands how much he owes to you—why I have deemed that these nightly labors original: "lucubrationes"; refers to scholarly works produced by lamp-light, in which I have explained the whole method and description of this matter, should be inscribed to your August Name. And he will marvel at this even less who learns that, through your kindness, a tranquil leisure has been granted to me for meditating upon these and other things. For I had to strive so that an account of this leisure might be established with you to some extent; and I had to endeavor by whatever means possible that, having been moved by so many and continuous benefits from you, I might discharge some sign of a grateful soul.

I know indeed, that while you are intent upon the greatest affairs and those businesses which are fitting for one placed at the very summit of things to handle, it is by no means free for you to turn your mind—otherwise capable of all things—to contemplations of this kind. But I do not think these things will be for that reason any less pleasing, or less approved by you, Most August King original: "Rex augustissime"; for we see that those things please you most which are of the greatest public benefit; nor is anything more a matter of concern to you than that the best disciplines original: "optimæ disciplinæ"; referring to the arts and sciences should take on new growth and be illustrated by new discoveries. For this is sufficiently declared by that extraordinary and singular generosity original: "liberalitas" of yours, both in promoting the disciplines themselves and in rewarding those who excel in the knowledge of them. This generosity is not diminished at all by the immense and larger-than-usual expenses of wars; nor do the borders of your France original: "Galliæ" circumscribe it. So that it clearly appears that you act in this way, so that not only under...