TO THE MOST SERENE PRINCE

LEOPOLD

OF TUSCANY

A decorative woodcut initial letter "R" is set within a square frame, embellished with ornate floral and foliate scrolls.

In this modest work, Most Serene Prince, I investigate things most remote in the heavens, placed far beyond the sight of men unless they summon aid for themselves through art original: "ab arte" — Huygens refers here to the "art" or technology of optics and the telescope, which extends human vision.. I do not doubt that many will say I have occupied myself with excessive diligence in matters that they judge to concern us so little, especially when so many things situated right here before us and nearby remain worthy of investigation. But these critics seem to pay little heed to how much the consideration of sublime things excels all others, and how noble it is in itself to extend one's contemplation to such distant parts of nature