Dedication.

[A]stronomers and geometricians / who
nonetheless / as far as calculations /
and other proportions original Latin: rationes are concerned / are
skillful and capable enough; yet our seafarers original: Meerhanen—literally 'sea-roosters,' an archaic term for experienced navigators /
who by water [have traveled] to many
places / and parts of the world / that is / have
come to our side / some of whom have also
reached the antipodes original Latin: ad antipodas—referring to the opposite side of the Earth where people were thought to live "feet-to-feet" with those on the other side / and
witnessed these places for themselves /
having gained the experience firsthand: [they]
give a far different / better / and
frequently contrary report / of the dwellings original: habitationen /
climates original: temperamenten and qualities of the places original Latin: locorum qualitatibus /
than the astronomers at home
imagined / and solely from the position and
makeup of the locations original Latin: ex situ & constitutionib. locorum respectivè
accordingly concluded.
It is the same with mining mining (German: Bergwerck)
and the generation original: Gebehrung—this refers to the historical belief that metals 'grow' or are 'born' within the earth like living things of metals.
It is well for one [to be]...