The page features a single column of printed text in an italic typeface, enclosed within an ornate, rectangular border consisting of intricate repeating floral and scrollwork patterns. At the top of the text block, a heading "PREFATIONE." is set off by decorative horizontal bands.

PREFATIONE.

the motions of each Heaven, and of every orb, by finding the conformity and the variety that is among them? No one, except for this divine science, is sufficient to investigate how distant the Sun is from the Moon and from the other lovely stars. Furthermore, the Physician, without Astrologia Astrology (which is part of that genre of Mathematics that is used in sensible things), how will he be able to know the courses of the stars and of the Moon? On which depends all the reason and knowledge of the giorni critici critical days, that is, days to make a judgment; so as not to trouble the sick person with grave medication, especially at the beginning of his infirmity; at the hour when the Moon goes walking from combustion to opposition. Besides that, this supreme science is useful without end to the public good of Cities, as much in measuring the times of business as in showing the diverse resolutions of the Universe. Is it not the principal and right arm of the military for maintaining the civil government, the faculties, the goods, the substances, and the glorious fortunes of every sublime Empire and powerful Kingdom? And with what manner will that most strong Emperor, or glorious Champion, dare to besiege, fight, and storm enemy cities, and defend his own, if not with the art of Mecaniche Mechanics? Which is indeed one of the six parts of that aforementioned genre that is used in sensible things. For if, in rendering the military discipline perfect, one must presuppose Geometry and Arithmetic with those other two parts of this Mathematics, called by the Greeks Οπτική Optics and μηχανική mechanics, nonetheless, to every most strenuous and supreme leader, these three principal conditions are necessary: The first of which is to place and dispose his army most optimally in an opportune place. Which the most famous and magnanimous Pyrro Pyrrhus, King of the Epirotes, always used to do above all other most strong captains. The second is that he very prudently and wisely instructs and orders his squads. Which prudence the great Alessandro Alexander had at every hour in war. The third condition, then, is that the Captain be sagacious and very acute of wit, to investigate subtly, and to use...