FOREWORD.

[con]sider that books alone do not form great masters; they can only set one on the path to becoming one, the rest being reserved for experience. Then, guided by the footsteps of their predecessors, they might at least equal them, and deserve by equally just titles the favors of a great King who never refused them to those who contribute to the splendor of his glorious reign. And what have we not reason to hope for, when these are obtained through the channel of an enlightened Minister, who equally favors the progress of the arts suited to peace and those that can ensure success in war?

A decorative woodcut tailpiece features a double-headed eagle with wings spread, clutching symbols of authority, such as scepters or arrows, in its talons, representing imperial or royal power.