TO THE MOST LEARNED

AND

TO THE VENERABLE MEN

And to be eternally honored by me,

THE LORD VICE-CHANCELLOR, The Vice-Chancellor is the functional head of the University of Oxford

DOCTORS, AND MASTERS

Who, in the most celebrated University of Oxford,

THE HUMANITIES original: "Bonas Literas," literally "good letters," referring to the study of classical literature and the liberal arts

Most diligently cultivate,

Excellently adorn,

And most successfully promote.

Greetings.

Forgive me, most excellent men, if I now address as readers those whom I previously had as listeners. Willis refers to his role as a professor, where his colleagues and students would have attended his spoken lectures I turn to you, whom I have always found to be benevolent and favorable...