An elaborate architectural title page engraving. At the top center, the Hebrew name of God The Tetragrammaton: YHWH appears within a radiant sunburst among clouds, framed by an arch. Below this is a banner containing a Latin couplet. The central title text is housed within a decorative rectangular frame.

Flanking this central block are two standing figures on pedestals: on the left is "ADAM," depicted as a muscular, nearly nude man with a loincloth of leaves, standing next to a plant Representing the first man to name the creatures and plants; on the right is "SOLOMON" (King Solomon), portrayed in royal robes and a turban, holding a book and a scepter Referencing the biblical king's legendary wisdom regarding nature. Both figures are accompanied by botanical specimens in ornate vases above them.

At the bottom of the page, two figures representing the history of botany are seated. On the left is "THEOPHRASTUS," resting his head on his hand in a contemplative pose with a book The Greek "Father of Botany". On the right is "DIOSCORIDES," holding a writing instrument The Roman-era physician and author of the most influential herbal of antiquity. Between them, a cartouche features the motto "BY VIRTUE AND GENIUS" original: "VIRTVTE ET GENIO" above a small tulip plant growing from the ground.

GOD HAS BESTOWED UPON EVERY PLANT ITS OWN POWERS,

AND EVERY HERB TEACHES THAT HE IS PRESENT.

original: "PLANTA CVIQVE SVAS VIRES DEVS INDIDIT, ATQVE PRÆSENTEM ESSE ILLVM, QVÆLIBET HERBA DOCET."

CHARLES DE L'ÉCLUSE OF ARRAS,

original: "CAROLI CLVSI ATREBATIS"

FOR THE AUGUST IMPERIAL EMPERORS

MAXIMILIAN II

AND RUDOLF II

Formerly a member of the Imperial Household,

HISTORY OF

RARE PLANTS.

The following page will show what has been added.

ANTWERP

From the Plantin Office

At the house of Jan Moretus.

1601.

Missouri Botanical Garden, 1893

ADAM

SOLOMON

BY VIRTUE AND GENIUS

THEOPHRASTUS

DIOSCORIDES