more of a similarity to the truth: yet neither will comprehend or deliver anything certain, unless it has been revealed to him by God. Let us therefore allow these new hypotheses to become known among the old ones, which are no more probable, especially since they are at once admirable and easy, and bring with them a huge treasure of most learned observations. Nor should anyone, as far as the hypotheses are concerned, expect anything certain from astronomy, since it can provide no such thing, lest if he adopts as truth what was fashioned for another purpose, he departs from this discipline more foolish than he arrived. Farewell.

Petrus Ramus, in his letter to Rheticus concerning the perfor-? manda? performing of logic, considers this preface to be the restoration of astrology.

NICOLAUS SCHONBERG

CARDINAL OF CAPUA,

To Nicolaus Copernicus, Greetings.

Decorative drop cap initial 'C' featuring a seated figure, likely a putto or child, amidst floral ornamentation.

Some years ago, when word reached me of your talent, as all men were consistently speaking of it, I began to hold you in higher regard and to congratulate our contemporaries, among whom you flourish with such glory. For I had learned that you were not only highly skilled in the discoveries of the ancient mathematicians, but had also established a new system of the World. By this, you teach that the earth is moved: that the Sun holds the lowest, and thus the central, position of the world: that the eighth heaven remains motionless and fixed forever: and that the Moon, together with the elements included in its own sphere, situated between the heavens of Mars and Venus, turns in an annual course around the Sun. And that you have completed commentaries on this whole system of Astronomy, and have brought the motions of the wandering stars into tables by your calculations, to the great admiration of all. Wherefore, most learned man, unless I am being troublesome, I entreat you again and again that you communicate this discovery of yours to those who are studious, and that you send to me, at the earliest possible time, your work on the sphere of the world, together with the Tables, and whatever else you may have that pertains to the same matter. I have given the task to Theodoric of Reden to have everything transcribed there at my expense and brought to me. If you comply with my request in this matter, you will understand that you have dealt with a man who is a student of your reputation and who desires to do justice to such great virtue. Farewell. Rome, the Kalends of November, in the year 1536.