Letter

...they acquire for themselves those things which are rare. Among these people (always respecting the reputation and good faith of other pharmacists), Francesco Calceolario, the pharmacist of Verona at the sign of the Golden Bell original: "ad aureæ Campanæ signum", comes most highly praised by me. Indeed, he is accustomed to preparing the finest Theriac A famous ancient "universal antidote" containing dozens of ingredients, including viper flesh, intended to cure all poisons. and Mithridatum Named after King Mithridates VI of Pontus, who was said to have developed a legendary complex potion to make himself immune to all poisons., with the agreement of all the most distinguished physicians, especially those who hold the highest rank in the city. He is able to excel in this above others because he is not only a great investigator of medical matter original: "Medicæ materiæ" — this refers to the study of the therapeutic properties of natural substances, but also because he has friends all over the world who send him foreign and unknown simples A "simple" is a medicinal herb or plant used in its natural state, without being mixed with other substances. which are unknown to others. From him, I recently obtained the true Costus A root used in ancient medicine, often identified as Saussurea costus., which I had never seen before.

But enough has been said of these matters. Furthermore, following the custom of ancient scholars, when I thought of patrons and defenders who might protect and guard these labors of ours from the habits of the envious and the litigious—and by whose greatness, authority, and splendor of glory these same works might be rendered more illustrious and famous—your Sacred Imperial Majesty immediately presented himself to me. For, according to your supreme and innate virtue and clemency, you have never failed to lift up anyone unjustly oppressed, nor to defend anyone affected by injury, nor to fail to help any student of the noble arts who has fled to your patronage.

Moreover, it seemed highly fitting to me that I should dedicate this work to your Imperial Majesty, not only because you shine with the Diadem of the Roman Empire and command and preside over the entire Christian Republic, but because you have always been most merciful toward me personally (such was your Piety, Kindness, and Beneficence). Another reason led me to dedicate this volume to your Imperial Majesty: it describes that Matter in which (as I mentioned above) many Emperors and Kings of old were greatly delighted. Therefore, I set out to do this all the more willingly as I am certain that your Imperial Majesty derives much pleasure from reading natural philosophy. Added to this is the immense kindness of your Imperial Majesty toward all scholars, whom you constantly promote, help, and cherish—especially those you recognize as deserving well of the literary Republic, and particularly Physicians, who cultivate a divine rather than a human faculty. This was left recorded among the Hebrews by that most wise Jesus Sirach The author of the Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus) in the Bible., inspired by the divine spirit, when he said:

Medicine has its origin from the Most High, and from the King he shall receive gifts. The Lord has created medicines out of the earth, and a wise man will not despise them. The skill of the Physician shall lift up his head, and in the sight of great men he shall be praised. Thus he spoke.

Furthermore, it might seem marvelous that your Imperial Majesty, though occupied day and night with the gravest affairs and the duties and constant cares of your Roman Empire and your Kingdoms, never fails to devote some of your spare hours to the study of various sciences. For this reason, I have no small hope that these labors of mine will carry no little authority with your Imperial Majesty—first, because I have time and again experienced your singular clemency and far-reaching liberality toward me; and second, because you are accustomed to receive all gifts, however small, with a very cheerful countenance and the greatest humanity from all your faithful subjects. Your Imperial Majesty’s favors toward me are most ample; finally, the entire most serene House of Austria has always nourished, promoted, and honored me in every way. Thus it is that, led by a certain hope, I am convinced I can always trust greatly in your Imperial Majesty’s clemency. For your supreme dignity and the greatness of your Imperial honors ensure that you undertake to promote all who seek your help. Your other virtuous graces so flourish and shine in your Imperial Majesty that all nations greatly admire and revere you. For who would not admire your Imperial Majesty? Who would not admire your prudence, magnanimity, and the vast splendor of your soul? Who would not look up to your Justice, piety, clemency, religion, beneficence, and generosity? Which, as if from