On Automata, or Self-Moving Machines

which were encountered in the Greek copies, have
been modernized by me and reduced to the form
original: "ridotte nel termine"; Baldi means he has standardized the text into a readable format.
that you see. I have then added a Discourse in the manner
of a Prolegomenon A formal introductory essay or preface., and certain small annotations for the
explanation of some words that, to those who do not know the
Greek language, might seem obscure. Regarding the trans-
lation, I then protest that if anything is found therein
not so well understood, the whole fault should not be poured upon
me, but a part of it should be given also to time, through
the injury of which the text is found in many parts
corrupted and spoiled. A common trope in Renaissance scholarship, blaming the "injuries of time" for errors in ancient manuscripts. Accept, then, my labor,
nor hold any obligation to others than to yourself and
to your own qualities, and remembering my affec-
tion, live happily. In Venice, on the first day of
February, 1589.

Of Your Illustrious Ladyship/Lordship