P R E F A C E

But if anyone should count it as a fault, because it might seem less suitable or relevant to my age, that I should hand down to you, most distinguished young men, that kind of study which pertains to those letters In this context, "letters" refers to classical learning and literature. which some—for I know this—suspect you also recoil from; such a person surely errs through an ignorance of both my will and your own zeal. For he should not think that I lack spirit; indeed, my age and this very infirmity of mine, far from leading me away from such letters, rather incite and summon me toward them. For who is there who is not drawn to them? Indeed, whoever has not reached them is not only imperfect, but is not even human. For who would think those things are not to be embraced?

But this entire method original: "ratio" of which we speak—presented up to now through a multitude of precepts (which, as it seems to you, is not established by force or art) but on account of the brevity of time and your benevolent spirits toward such letters—I have thought fit to apply, and I judge it will be of great use to you when you are involved in necessary affairs.

An ornamental woodcut tailpiece features symmetrical scrollwork, architectural volutes, and floral motifs. Due to the thinness of the paper, this image appears in reverse as it has bled through from the opposite side of the leaf.

Inv. O.