The Goal of the Wise

The manuscript is illuminated with ornithological drawings. In the left margin, four corvids (likely ravens or crows) are depicted perched on green mounds. In the right margin, a bird of prey (a hawk or falcon) is shown above a smaller bird. At the bottom of the page, there are faint remains of water birds, consistent with the mention of "mergonum" (divers) in the text.

Just as we have received [this knowledge] and [observed] the diversity of diversity. We also find some, not under the same species but [ones] similar [to them], in different parts of the world and in different languages. For this reason, the same genera and species are spoken of according to their diversity, according to the diversity of places and the diverse materials, and [due to] the diversity of one and the same [bird] in the places [they inhabit], in the nature of their forms, their limbs, and their operations, not united [in the manner of] other things according to the same? way of purifying and their gait? and course and the supreme subtlety in motion and flight?. For those things that have their own? properties... are inseparably the same among all, just as the properties of their nature. Furthermore, diverse regions have certain genera of birds different from others. One region has some genera of birds that another region does not have, and one region has the same [birds] that another has. If [they appear] most dissimilar in color and other accidental features, considering nevertheless the nature and form of the limbs and their uses and other operations of the same, they are recognized under which genus they were to be placed. For this reason, when we have provided an example of one genus of birds and have said [that others are] similar? to it, there is no need to enumerate the rest, lest boredom [arise] from prolixity.

[Of the] genus. For it is scattered, having many in the genus? of birds... there are those whose water... there are those whose water is not... [Of the] genera, there are also found many genera which, although they may not be of the same genus and have their own natures according to themselves, yet in mechanics they all [relate] to length. Indeed, they would be more of these [birds] that seem to belong to the water, so that when comparing them in their essences and properties, according to how the diversities are indicated to be of the same genus or diverse, as [seen] through the place, even if in other respects? they have not been diverse among other things.

Having finished [discussing] the native [natures] and the diversities of the modes in which the causes [manifest], we return now, and also [we return to the] division [of birds] again into birds of prey and non-predators. We must also see, in order, the motions and operations that individual genera have for the acquisition of their food, in which [process] many other divisions of birds and many more of their natures will become clear. Thus, the motions [and] operations, however, are [the] essence [compared] to others regarding the acquisition of food; they are many. For those that are aquatic, their nature is such that they do not fly well and they do not withdraw from the waters, like all genera of mergonum divers/diving birds, from which a contrary [nature] is seen.