The Principles of Statics

...has been undertaken, so the question might arise here as to the purpose of my actions: namely, whether I, following the custom of many, request Your Imperial Majesty original Dutch: K. M., standing for Keyserlicke Majesteyt. to be the protector of my work? Far from it; for the protection and governance of the Empire seldom allows time for such things, let alone for the reading of prefaces specifically written to you. Even more so because I was of the opinion (who can resist his own intuition?) that both the Form and the Substance of this work require no defense. Nor is it my aim to honor the greatest man in Europe with a great Art first published in a "greater" language Stevin refers here to Latin, which was then the international language of science. He famously chose to write in Dutch to prove its suitability for technical subjects., however much such a thing might seem consistent with reason.

Effects.

Why then? So that the practical applications original Dutch: daden, literally "deeds." of the Art of Weighing Statics (Weeghconst): The science of weights and equilibrium., tending toward the notable improvement of the Commonwealth Commonwealth (Ghemeensaeck): The public good or the state., may be put into practice through the patents Patents (Octroy): Official grants or privileges for inventions. I request from you by special letters. Why, someone might ask, is this not arranged through subordinates who (as is custom) have free access to the Highest?

Propositions.

Everyone, because it is so unheard of, would fear not only appearing with a ridiculous proposal, but even being laughed at themselves. Now, so that the scorn of the mockers may serve as witness to their ignorance, we have chosen to make this request through these writings, which contain for the wise all this and more that could be discussed at much greater length. But because our goal is directed toward Deeds original Dutch: Saken, meaning things, matters, or practical outcomes. and not toward Words, we shall leave the latter and await the former, wishing Your Imperial Majesty much happiness in all humble reverence.

From Leiden A prominent university city in the Netherlands where Stevin worked. in the month of August original Dutch: Oogstmaent, literally "Harvest month." of the year 1586.