Pinax Theatri botanici

HERMANN van der Haghen, BELGIAN
Ordinary Physician to the Illustrious Prince of Orange and the Republic of Arnhem in Guelders.

Bauhin, immortal glory of the Aonian sisterhood, for whom the eternal monuments of your genius merit praise; moreover, how great a gratitude is owed to your undertakings—which, having lately been published to the world, are now handled everywhere by the hands of the learned—no one could grasp with a keen mind, nor express with a worthy, eloquent mouth.
Not if the greatest Theban bard were to return from the Underworld, or that poet-son of the Italian land, and if Maeonides himself joined them as a companion.
So varied are the gifts of your mind, so much virtue and such excellence shine forth in all your writings, that not only your contemporaries who follow the decrees of Physicians—whether it was their lot to hear the living voice of the teacher, or only to have unrolled your written labors with their eyes—hesitate not to call themselves thrice and four times blessed: but even far-off descendants after long ages will render distinguished thanks to you from a mindful heart.
Who alone has brought forth so many kinds of herbs, and more shrubs and flowers, unknown to the ages of our ancestors? Which, while you search the woody glades with a diligent eye, and the forests, and wild mountains and secluded valleys—with God showing the way and favoring your prayers—you unearth and have given to our eyes to be beautifully beheld.
Whatever France possesses, whatever Germany, whatever exists within the broad boundaries of Hesperia’s thickets, anyone may clearly see described under a living image upon learned papers through your labor, O Bauhin.