Introduction to the History of Hebrew Philosophy

A rectangular woodcut headpiece featuring a central medallion. The medallion depicts a hand holding a hammer emerging from a cloud, striking an anvil. A banner below the anvil reads "BY STRIKING" original: "FRANGENDO," a Latin gerund suggesting that through repeated effort or hardship, something is shaped or broken.. The central scene is flanked by an ornate arrangement of leaves and fruits, including grapes, pears, and pomegranates.

Since, among the most serious concerns with which you are surrounded, you also exercise guardianship original: "tutela," referring to the administrative and protective oversight the councilors held over the university over our academy academy: Likely referring to the University of Halle, a center of Pietism and Enlightenment thought where Buddeus taught, I easily understand that it is especially fitting original: "par esse," meaning it is right or appropriate for me to provide to you an account original: "ratio," an explanation or justification of my studies and labors. Therefore, I do not need to seek far for the reasons why I have wished to dedicate original: "sacram esse," literally "to make sacred," a formal expression for dedicating a book to a patron this little treatise original: "commentationem," a scholarly work or commentary of mine, such as it is, to your names.