Pinax Theatri botanici

in which almost all the arts, held together as if by a sisterly bond, shine forth: You, who most skillfully, with the supreme Wisdom in which you excel, know how to pass judgment on men of letters and on the studies and sleepless labors of the learned. Furthermore, on account of the supreme mutual union and trust of both Academies—I mean those of Strasbourg and Basel—(so that it may be further increased and proclaimed): seeing as it has pleased many MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MEN from your Academic Order to seek the highest honors original: "supremam infulam," literally the 'supreme headband' or miter, referring to doctoral degrees deserved in all Faculties, in our school rather than in the gymnasiums of other cities. Not a few of these now rejoice in their heavenly fatherland among the blessed original: "ἐν μακαρίταις"; and not a few still enjoy the breath of life, and do not cease to adorn the world of letters with noble efforts, both by the living voice and by most excellent writings, to the great benefit of the learned. I pray from the bottom of my heart to GOD THE BEST AND GREATEST that they may be able to watch over these things for as long as possible in the future. Many of these MOST RENOWNED MEN, with me as the distributor likely referring to the author's role in the graduation ceremony or as a facilitator, wished to obtain the prize original: "βραβεῖον" and honor of their supreme learning in our art. Add to this that this Work has grown through the kindness and benevolence of many of them, who were pleased to promote my efforts by sending plants. Then, I was moved most deeply by the memory of the many benefits original: "εὐεργετημάτων" bestowed upon me; for at all times I have left no stone unturned, seeking occasions to erect a public monument of gratitude for the favors received. For as often as I passed through your City while traveling to the mineral springs original: "Acidulas," referring to spa towns or medicinal waters for the sake of my own health or that of others: behold, so many times you heaped benefits upon benefits, and did not cease to soothe me with them, binding me more closely to you. This is something I have experienced most fully for many years now: when very often, both the ENTIRE ACADEMIC SENATE as a whole, and specifically certain individuals from it, received me splendidly. Indeed, even recently, almost a year and a half ago, I was greeted with the honorary wine a traditional gift of wine given by a city to honored guests by the MOST NOBLE MAGISTRACY of your Republic, along with others. Furthermore, so that I might rejoice with you over the Privileges recently obtained for promoting Doctors in all faculties, let this book of mine be a pledge of this congratulation. There is also this not insignificant fact: I have heard that you, with prudent counsel and a great zeal for aiding the Medical Faculty, have furnished a most splendid Medical Garden a botanical garden for medicinal plants. Therefore, so that I might encourage students in frequenting it, and rouse others to visit it more diligently, it pleased me to inscribe to you this my Compendium of the Methods and Synonyms of Plants original: "Plantarum μεθόδων τε καὶ συνωνύμων σύνταγμα". Favor it, therefore, O MEN MOST STRENUOUS, RENOWNED, REVEREND, MOST CONSULTED, AND EXCELLENT—