This illustration is an illuminated emblem, a stylized "Tree of Life." It reflects Sir Thomas Browne’s fascination with the order and symmetry of nature. The tree’s branches terminate in pomegranate-like fruits—ancient symbols of fertility and mystery—arranged in a balanced, symmetrical pattern that mirrors the "quincunx" theme explored in the text.

TO MY WORTHY AND LEARNED FRIEND,

NICHOLAS BACON Nicholas Bacon (1623–1666) of Gillingham was a baronet and a friend of Browne who shared his interests in gardening and antiquities. OF GILLINGHAM, ESQUIRE.

Sir,

If I had not observed that near-sighted original: "purblind" men have spoken eloquently about the sense of sight, and that some without the physical organs of hearing have "heard" music within themselves, I would have expected a great discovery from you on this unusual subject. Knowing your long and pleasant acquaintance with the most beautiful gardens of the world, you are a much better judge of these matters than I. Yet, I have not forgotten your frequent kindness and the interest you have shown in these philosophical inquiries.

Xenophon in his Oeconomicus A treatise on estate management and agriculture..

This quincuncial arrangement original: "Quincuncial Ordination"—the practice of planting trees in a staggered, five-point diamond pattern—is not merely a modern fashion. It was mentioned by Xenophon and practiced by Cyrus the Younger A Persian prince and general (died 401 BC) famed for his magnificent gardens or "paradises." in his famous plantations. Xenophon describes how Cyrus took such pride in his gardens that he even planted many of the trees himself in "straight rows of trees" original Greek: "dendreon stichoi orthoi" to ensure perfect geometric order.

Straight rows of trees. original Greek: "δενδρέων στίχοι ὀρθοὶ"

It is a pattern that seems to exist both in the deliberate designs of man and the natural handiwork of the world.