Dedication

...flow, emanate, and diffuse from the most fertile fountain of your entire Majesty. These gifts of your Imperial Majesty’s mind will undoubtedly ensure (with the help of God Almighty) that, once the enemies of the Holy Roman Empire original: "Sac. Rom. Imperij" and your kingdoms have been overcome and defeated, He may restore all things to us in a state of peace. Finally, my reason for dedicating these labors of mine to the most illustrious Electors The high-ranking princes of the Holy Roman Empire who had the right to elect the Emperor. of the Holy Roman Empire, the most serene Archdukes of Austria—my most clement lords—and the other Princes of all Germany, was so that all of them, joined together, might understand from this the great devotion of my mind toward them all. Furthermore, I intended that through this dedication, I might leave their generosity toward me as a testimony among all nations.

Indeed, I am persuaded that they will undertake to defend and promote these Latin commentaries of ours—which I hope will be no less useful to everyone—alongside your Imperial Majesty, just as they previously did regarding our German Herbal original: "Herbario Germanico"; this refers to the 1563 German translation of Mattioli's work, which was a massive success. dedicated to them. I realized it was my duty to do this especially because they provided no less assistance in the forging of this volume than they did for that previous one.

In the meantime, I dedicate, give, and vow my whole self to your Imperial Majesty. May God Almighty grant you all happiness.

Prague, the last day of January, 1565.

Of your Imperial Majesty, and of your Highnesses,