BOOK ONE

1590. ...without neglecting poetry and the Greek language. His teachers indeed rejoiced that they did not need to guide his steps so much as to point the way from afar. They are to be praised because they did not burden his noble heart with that servitude through which most people either develop a hatred for good subjects, or become accustomed to overly humble pursuits. He also recalled how his spirits were raised when they publicly praised him for knowing the entire history of Justin Marcus Junianus Justinus, a Roman historian known for his Epitome of the history of Pompeius Trogus. and all of Ovid's Metamorphoses perfectly original: "ad unguem." Literally "to the fingernail," a Latin idiom for doing something with extreme precision, as a sculptor tests the smoothness of a joint with his nail.. He never stopped consulting books from which unique details of things could be learned.

For that reason, he certainly avoided both games and public shows. He devoted himself entirely to reading and making notes on unique information. In my opinion, he did this too immoderately. The mind should be relaxed at intervals. The intellect should not be strained immediately after eating. Because his tutors did not guard against this sufficiently, it resulted in him suffering from stomach and head pains on more than one occasion.

He had nearly reached his fifteenth year when he returned to Aix-en-Provence original: "Aquas-Sextias.". There he devoted a full year 1595. to the study of philosophy. Meanwhile, his uncle wanted him to be taught how to handle weapons, manage horses, and exercise his limbs in formal dances. However, since this required cutting into more enjoyable hours, he complied only out of duty. He refused to practice these skills unless his instructors were present. He considered it much better to read, write, or listen to something.

An oval library stamp belongs to the National Library of Rome, "Vittorio Emanuele."

During those times, a gold coin numisma: a coin or medal, often of historical interest of Arcadius Flavius Arcadius, the Eastern Roman Emperor who reigned from 395 to 408 AD. was presented to his father. It had been found at Belgentier. Peiresc immediately asked for it. When he had read the inscription and the name of the Emperor...