VIII

PREFACE

...to enrich the work, he thoroughly searched the public libraries of Italy and other regions. May the supreme Deity original: "summum Numen," a term referring to divine providence or God. grant this most dear friend the strongest health, the longevity of Nestor Nestor was a mythological Greek king known for his great wisdom and for living through three generations of men. Wishing someone "the years of Nestor" was a common way to wish them a very long life., and sufficient leisure from the burdensome practice of medicine. This is so that the learned world may rejoice that the long-held hope and expectation is finally fulfilled.