An ornate rectangular woodcut headpiece consisting of symmetrical foliate scrolls, acanthus leaves, and flowers surrounding a central classical urn or pedestal bowl.

TO BOTANISTS AND LOVERS OF BOTANY

BROTHER CHARLES PLUMIER, OF THE ORDER OF MINIMS, SENDS GREETINGS

Charles Plumier (1646–1704) was a French monk of the Minim Order and a pioneering botanist. He is best known for his three voyages to the West Indies, where he identified many new plant species and named several after fellow scientists, such as Begonia and Fuchsia.

Not everyone is granted the chance to visit Corinth, Plumier uses the Latin proverb Non omnibus concessum Corinthum adiisse, meaning that not everyone has the wealth or opportunity to undertake difficult or expensive ventures. nor is it given to all to undertake long journeys. Therefore, so that they do not seem to have lived for themselves alone, those who have traversed foreign nations and distant regions in their travels should—as most equitable reason demands—finally return to their ancestral hearths and delight not only their fellow citizens, but also the world of letters with at least some portion of the fruits of their travels, thereby inviting those who are curious to travel as well. For who would willingly leave a dear home and a pleasant fatherland? Who would willingly bid farewell to beloved friends? Who, finally, would be so bold as to face the swollen sea, infamous rocks, swimming monsters, and men who are fierce toward guests, unless they hoped to one day be blessed by trade, reward, or fame?

As for me (I confess), neither trade, nor reward, nor fame tempted me, but rather an innate passion for seeing and learning in my sweet youth. For as a little boy, scarcely two years old and impatient in the arms of my dear mother, I left my mother against her will