Two New Sciences

which make Your Most Illustrious Lordship admirable to all, you, with incomparable Magnanimity, and also out of zeal for the public good, to which it seemed to you that this my Work should contribute, have desired to widen its terms and the boundaries of its honor: So that, the fact being reduced to such a state, it is very reasonable that I, with every most conspicuous sign, show myself a grateful acknowledger of the Generous affection of Your Most Illustrious Lordship, who has taken to heart to increase my fame, by making it spread its wings freely under the open Sky, whereas to me it seemed a sufficient gift that it remain in more confined spaces. Therefore, to Your name, Most Illustrious Lord, it is fitting that I dedicate and consecrate this offspring of mine; to do which, I am constrained not only by the heap of obligations that I hold toward you, but also by the interest, which (may it be permitted me to say so) places Your Most Illustrious Lordship under obligation to defend my reputation against whoever might wish to offend it, while you have placed me in the lists i.e., in the arena of debate against my adversaries. Hence, stepping forward under your standard and protection, I humbly bow before you, wishing you as a reward for these graces of yours, the height of every happiness and greatness. From Arcetri, the 6th of March, 1638.

GALILEO GALILEI.