To the Noble, Honorable, Highly Esteemed, and Highly Learned Gentleman

Johann Friedrich

Helvetius, widely-renowned Doctor of Both Medicines original: "Ut. Medicinæ"; likely "Utriusque Medicinae," referring to mastery of both theoretical medicine and practical surgery. and Practitioner in The Hague, etc.

Large ornamental woodcut drop cap 'W' decorated with intricate scrolling foliage and floral motifs.

What the ancients indicated on painted panels with their sun and moon symbols, as well as the depiction of a distinguished old man surrounded by a great flock of flying and darting birds—of which much is also found in books—