The Dutch Tiphys

...learning, summoned from all sides, through whose labor noble minds might be cultivated. And indeed, the outcome has not frustrated your expectations. For you possess minds awakened to perceive every kind of learning: men, I say, no less industrious than they are talented; who strive with the greatest effort to contribute all their studies and all their labor to the safety and renown of the Fatherland original: Patriae salutem; here referring to the Dutch Republic's security and global reputation.. To all of them, while I would not unwillingly grant the primary honors in learning and talent, yet I will deny that I yield to anyone in affection and a spirit inclined toward our country. And if I do not achieve as much as I might desire, yet at least whatever I am able to attain through diligence and industry, I will gladly offer up as sacred to God and the Fatherland.

And so that some pledge of this affection might exist—one which, to be sure, would not be worthy of your Greatness unless you yourselves chose to deem it not unworthy—since you manage the care of maritime affairs original: rei marittimae so anxiously and solicitously that you even go so far as to offer rewards to invite everyone to assist and promote them. Moved therefore by your authority, Most Illustrious States original: Ordines Illustrissimi; this refers to the States-General, the sovereign body of the United Provinces of the Netherlands., I considered that I would be performing a labor neither useless nor fruitless if I were to set forth the laws of navigation original: navigandi leges; this refers to the mathematical and physical principles required for accurate seafaring. through accurate and unfailing demonstration. This is the very thing I saw that men highly experienced in this learned dust original: docto pulvere; a classical idiom referring to the painstaking work of scholars or the dust of the schoolroom and gymnasium. have always attempted with all their zeal. For after the human race [was granted...] by God...