Illustrations and Descriptions of Plants

And so, Most Serene Prince, we hope that you will not disdain this Work which so many Great Kings have judged worthy of their own study: like the island of Tacape An ancient oasis in North Africa, modern Gabès, praised by Pliny for its incredible fertility which displays such abundance, or the Trees of Shilo original: "Silonis Arbores"; likely a reference to the legendary evergreen nature of certain biblical or classical groves which are never stripped of their leaves. Here is a most complete History of Plants, so concisely arranged that—just as it was once said of the works of the painter Timanthes A Greek painter of the 4th century BCE famous for suggesting more emotion or detail than he actually depicted—more may be understood from it than is actually painted. Rather, may you graciously and kindly receive this monument of our most humble devotion, a dedicated offering original: "anathema," used here in the classical sense of a votive gift hung in a temple of our respect and submission, which we strive to hang within your sacred treasuries. Through this, let the whole World know that We wish to be eternally mindful of the Württembergian generosities in which we have shared; let Posterity know through this that this age, too, had its own Patrons of the arts. At the sight of such a venerable Name, let the critic Zoilus A proverbially harsh and cynical critic from antiquity burst with envy, let Malice be seized with a numbing chill, and let idle fault-finders silence their lips with their fingers. You, Most Serene Prince, which is the summit of our prayers: may you live most happily for a long time, until, late in life and full of years, you are received among the blessed dead original: "μακαρίτας" (makaritas) to enjoy eternal glory and bliss with them. Fragment
@@?, 7. Theogony Likely a reference to Hesiod's Theogony May Montbéliard original: "Montbelgardum," a principality held by the Dukes of Württemberg always flourish under such a renowned Prince. May the Pillars of his happy Reign flourish. Here I pull in the sails and make an end, Most Serene Prince; beginning and ending as,

At Yverdon-les-Bains original: "Ebroduni Heluetiorum," a town in Switzerland,
On the Calends of April April 1st, in the Year 1666.

Most subject, and most devoted in all service,

DOMINIQUE CHABRÉE Doctor of Medicine,
Physician of the City of Yverdon.

A decorative woodcut tailpiece ornament. In the center, a winged figure (possibly a putto or an allegory) is seated amidst a symmetrical arrangement of lush, swirling acanthus leaves and various floral blossoms. The ornament is rectangular and serves as a formal closing graphic for the dedication.