The Sphere of Johannes de Sacrobosco

This page is a continuation of the preface by Elias Vinetus.

...Whatever possesses some form of the Latin language, and can in some way be understood by those who handle Latin letters, has been considered proven and approved. Hence, "maiorari" and "minorari" and countless other terms of this kind were born: which seemed so elegant to those who invented them that they used them more often than the Latin terms themselves, which were also readily available. Therefore, nothing in the writings of that age should be condemned so rashly. If they seem too barbaric to someone more elegant, let that person write something purer for us to read instead: after the ancient Latins published nothing of the sort that has reached us. My principle has certainly always been this, my Tacitus: that we should take care to preserve, as much as we can, the writings of all the ancients, even the barbarians, in which there is something to learn. Therefore, do not be surprised if I have been so diligent in restoring this little book and explaining in passing several passages that seemed capable of confusing a rather unlearned reader or delaying them. Rather, approve of this work of ours; and if it seems to you worthy of being brought to light, allow it to appear in your name.

Farewell, from your Bordeaux, the Calends of March, 1550.