Fundamentals of Arithmetic; Fundamentals of Music

I have collected my thoughts with brevity, and I have opened up with moderate additions those things which, having been passed over too quickly, presented a narrower path to understanding, so that at some point we might even use our own formulas and descriptions for the evidence of things. A sober reader will easily recognize what great vigils and sweat this has cost us. Therefore, since I was writing out the four mathematical disciplines, starting with arithmetic, which is the first, you alone seemed worthy of that gift, and I understood all the more that a faultless work was needed. For although there was a place for easy pardon with you, nonetheless, a suspicious sense of security sometimes feared that very ease. For I thought that nothing should be offered for such great reverence that did not seem worked out by intellect, perfected by study, and finally worthy of such great leisure. Therefore, I do not doubt that, because of your benevolence toward me, you will prune what is superfluous, supply what is missing, correct what is erroneous, and receive what is well said with a wonderful alacrity of spirit. This matter prompted a sluggish delay in my plan. For the fruits, which will please, will restore too much time/effort to me. I know, indeed, how much more studiously we cherish our own goods than those of others. Rightly, therefore, just as one transmits golden stalks to Ceres goddess of agriculture and ripe vine-shoots to Bacchus god of wine, so have I transmitted the rudiments of a new work to you. You, with paternal grace, may only advance our gift. Thus, you will consecrate the first-fruits of my labor with your most learned judgment, and the author will be considered of no greater merit than the approver.

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I. Introduction, in which is the division of mathematics.
II. On the substance of number.