An elaborate architectural title page. At the top, two putti flank a coat of arms featuring a lion rampant and a diagonal band with three stars, surrounded by a floral wreath. The central text is framed by a monument-like structure. On the left and right sides of the central pedestal stand two large, winged dragons. At the base of the monument, there are three circular emblems: the left shows a caduceus with the word "SALVS"; the center shows a dragon or basilisk; the right shows a snake biting its tail (ouroboros) with the word "IMMORTALITAS". Two smaller coiled serpents are depicted in square niches on the far left and right of the base. The words "DOMINIVM" and "VIGILANTIA" are inscribed on the plinths supporting the large dragons.

THE HISTORIES OF SERPENTS AND DRAGONS

BY ULISSE ALDROVANDI

PATRICIAN OF BOLOGNA

TWO BOOKS

BARTHOLOMEW AMBROSINI

Ordinary Professor of Medical Simples

in the Native Gymnasium of Bologna,

Prefect of the Public Garden and also of the Museum

of the Most Illustrious Senate of Bologna,

compiled this work

with the greatest labor.

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, MOST REVEREND,

AND MOST EXCELLENT MAN,

LORD FRANCESCO PERETTI

ABBOT

PRINCE OF VENAFRO, MARQUESS OF NOMENTO

AND MOST DESERVING COUNT OF CELANO

With a most copious index of memorable items and of various languages.

DOMINION

At the expense of Marco Antonio Bernia, Bookseller of Bologna

VIGILANCE

HEALTH

IMMORTALITY

BOLOGNA, at the press of Clemente Ferroni, 1640. By permission of the superiors.