PREFACE

TO THE

Reader.

As we are about to deliver that part of Natural History which treats of plants—namely, Botany original: "Botanicen"; the study of plants—and since it has been presented by authors in their written records far too wordily and confusedly until now; we have firmly resolved and determined in our mind to bring forth those things which we have learned from the book of nature through long experience, constant inspection, and proper examination. Indeed, we have decided to publish all plants according to a better method (than has been done by anyone hitherto), beginning with the umbels original: "umbellis"; plants like carrots or parsley where flower stalks spring from a single center like umbrella ribs, which are not yet reduced to subordinate genera or intermediate species by botanical writers. This is perhaps because it is extremely difficult to find a difference where there is too much similarity or closeness, such as is seen here in this section.

We have therefore proposed to ourselves for the present to set this specimen of umbelliferous plants before the public, and we have deemed it fair to offer the same to be weighed and examined by all who are learned or moderately skilled in the botanical art. If they approve, they will give us courage and incite us to publish the greater works we are meditating upon. Furthermore, if anything contained therein should displease botanists—at least those skilled in the art—once we are informed by them, relying on reason and experience, we shall wipe away the stains and correct those things. We shall strive to reach the goal we have set for ourselves and give our diligent labor so that all the sections joined together may form a complete botanical work (as far as lies within our power), according to the method proposed to us by nature. This we intend both here and elsewhere in the explanation of each individual section, yet without scorning the assiduous reading of authors.

We now have in our possession all the sections of all plants (at least those seen by us so far) sketched with a rough brush and described. We are not only publishing this specimen first, which constitutes the thirtieth part of the work we intend, but we are also giving the ninth section in order, containing the doctrine of all the umbels. We do this to the end that (as they say, "the lion is known by its claw" original: "ex ungue leonem"; a proverb meaning one can judge the whole from a small part) those skilled in botany may more easily judge the rest of the works to be sent forth by us. Furthermore, if this section is admitted to the stage by the applause of the learned in the art, the remaining sections, delivered in a fuller form, will follow. We admit all learned botanists everywhere into our counsel; their judgment and their esteem shall prevail, provided that reason and experience accompany them.

Nor do we (after the manner of other writers) use a long series of words in this our treatise on umbels, but briefly and succinctly (having assigned the generic mark the defining characteristic of a group first and before all else) we add the specific marks the traits that distinguish one species from another by which individual species, serving under their own proper genera as if under the same banner or password, can be distinguished from one another with easy or no trouble. For by this method, instructed by the book of nature, students of botanical matters can hereafter learn clearly, plainly, and methodically about plants, distinctly arranged through the highest and middle genera down to the lowest species, descending even to the varieties of individual species. Thus, without the great expense of books or the loss and waste of time, botanists may more quickly learn and more firmly retain in memory this our new doctrine by this certain scientific method, distinguished by infallible marks that remain constant, given by nature and first observed by us.

Moreover, at the request of certain friends skilled in the art, we have added the places of birth, the time of flowering, the temperaments and powers, and the better-known names. All these things we have demonstrated to the eye from the umbels themselves in the public garden of the University, in the same order in which they are presented in this treatise. The remaining sections, to be perceived and learned with equal ease (by the favor of the Divine Will), we shall deliver—