TO THE GENTLEMEN

Illustrious in the Splendor of their Lineage and Merits,

Renowned in Glory,

Magnificent, Strenuous, Most Noble,

And Most Distinguished,

TO THE LORD PRAETOR,

TO THE LORDS CONSULS,

TO THE LORDS MAGISTRATES,

TO THE LORDS SYNDICS AND

SENATORS,

original: "Dn. Prætori, Dnn. Consulibus, Dnn. Scabinis, Dnn. Syndicis." These are the traditional Latin titles for the officials of a Free Imperial City. In Frankfurt, the Praetor (Schultheiß) acted as the imperial representative, the Consuls (Bürgermeister) served as mayors, the Scabini (Schöffen) were the senior lay judges, and the Syndics were legal advisors.

Of the famous and very ancient

Free Imperial City

of Frankfurt,

original: "Francofurtensis." Frankfurt am Main was a "Free Imperial City," meaning it was self-governing and subordinate only to the Holy Roman Emperor, not a local prince.

Most highly praised for their experience in affairs

and their wisdom in governing,

To my Lords and Patrons,

original: "Mæcenatibus meis." A Mæcenas is a term for a generous patron of the arts or sciences, named after Gaius Maecenas, the advisor to the Roman Emperor Augustus.

to be honored in the highest degree,

equally as respected,

Johann Michael Faust wishes

these pages, such as they are, to be dedicated to them.

original: "Has qualescunque pagellas sacras esse vult." A humble formula used by authors when presenting their work to powerful patrons.