TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS

AND MOST REVEREND

Giulio della Rovere, most distinguished

Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church.

An ornate woodcut initial 'F' featuring a putto (cherub) standing in a landscape with buildings in the background. The putto holds a small flag or banner with a triangle symbol on it.

FEDERICO COMMANDINO, my father-in-law socer [father-in-law], told me more than once before his death that he would soon hand over this book of Hero—which he had recently translated into Latin original: "latinitate donauit"—to the printers to be published. He had decided that it should come to light dedicated to you, partly to provide a token of his grateful spirit for the many favors bestowed upon him, and partly because he judged it a crime original: "nefas" that the writings of a man who has always been deservedly numbered among the leading mathematicians principes mathematicos [foremost masters of mathematics] should not be presented to a leading man of the state. Furthermore, men of noble and excellent mind have recognized this book as one of your delights, and from it they have extracted countless ornaments for places Likely referring to the mechanical automata and water features used to decorate the gardens and villas of the Italian nobility that are established for the pleasure of the soul; he felt it wrong that such a work should not be commended to so noble and excellent a Patron. Therefore, as I realize that I have satisfied the will of a man most devoted to your Greatness, as well as fulfilled my own duty, I know for certain that I have best provided for this charming little book original: "lepido libello"—which was sent to the press immediately after Commandino’s death—by dedicating it to you. Therefore, with that serene and...