PREFACE

...they should also diligently note down the coins, monetary laws, weights, and measures of the various nations they reach. They should record the various instruments used to dig or plow the earth, and even those that delight the ears and the soul The author refers here to musical instruments and the arts.. From these observations, the temperaments, imaginations, and customs of all peoples may be compared with our own. For what can be more pleasing to studious men than to know the customs of all people, and to take in the whole world in a single glance?

This task is quite easy due to the frequency of sea voyages. If princes only desired it, there would be no lack of very learned men in the prime of their lives who, in the space of a few years, would bring back not only the things mentioned above but also all kinds of manuscripts. These records would faithfully contain the customs and chronologies chronologiæ: The science of arranging events in their order of occurrence in time. of nations. We see this work already begun by a nobleman of Bologna This likely refers to Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522–1605), a famous Bolognese scientist who compiled massive illustrated volumes on nature and human artifacts.. He has described in several volumes the figures and constructions of all things, especially man-made objects, which he was able to find in almost all parts of Europe.

While travelers note these details, others can perform various experiments to perfect the mechanical arts artes mechanicas: In the 17th century, this referred to practical sciences like engineering, clockmaking, and architecture.. Others will cultivate Geometry and bring it to its highest peak. Finally, others will seek out the true laws of Physics and Ethics. When nothing more remains to be sought, all may sing with one voice:

My heart and my flesh have exulted in the living God original: "Cor meum & caro mea exultauerunt in Deum viuum". A quotation from Psalm 84:2., until they contemplate him intuitively, and, caught up in eternal ecstasy, say with all the inhabitants of heaven: Blessed are they who dwell in your house, Lord; they will praise you forever and ever. original: "Beati qui habitant in domo tua Domine, in sæcula ſæculorum laudabunt te". A quotation from Psalm 84:4.