A decorative headpiece consists of two horizontal rows of fleurons, which are ornamental printer's marks.

To the Reader.

An ornamental drop cap letter V features intricate scrollwork and floral patterns.

It seems to be in the interest of posterity to preserve the ancient authors, the parents of the sciences, from destruction, lest they be called ungrateful. And although the contents of most of them might be elicited more promptly or argued more concisely by new techniques, the reading of them is not entirely devoid of value. For it seems especially pleasant to look down from the foundations upon which the sciences have been raised to such a height; furthermore, it is not useless to taste the sources from which almost all the inventions of the moderns have flowed. For it was by following or imitating their very ingenious and subtle methods that the industry of the latter [the moderns] has shone forth. Furthermore, a genuine taste and skill in

Catchword: demonstrating