On the Names of Plants

...they are. Therefore, those who are of such headlong judgment should first examine the other herbals, both ancient and modern, and diligently compare our writings with the German ones; then let them judge, but with candor and equity. Moreover, by the advice of the most excellent physician Master Conrad Gesner, we have added as a finishing touch the little book of Benedictus Textor, whose subject matter and use you will easily recognize from its title and preface. We have also subjoined six indices, prepared by us with the greatest diligence. If these do not satisfy wishes in every respect, may the kind reader forgive us. For men produce nothing so elaborate that is not in some part a partaker of imperfection. And let the most humane reader consider that I alone, occupied with other studies and many affairs, prepared these Commentaries to be published; nor was I aided by the help of others, except for two youths who lent us a helping hand in compiling one or two of the indices. These are the matters, for the most part, of which we wished to apprise the kind reader. And because we are exhausted and nearly broken by the long labors in finishing this work, we shall stop here, asking those studious of botany to receive our labors with a cheerful countenance: and to honor Tragus—a good man and one who has deserved well of this kind of study—with that benevolence with which we are accustomed to embrace men of the highest integrity and those most useful to the Republic. Farewell.