On the Movement of Animals, Part One

especially in the compendious book of the structure of Animals and Men, by which, as if by steps, the invisible things of God are understood through those things which have been made, and which, moreover, in a perpetual hymn recount the glory of God and announce the highest preeminence, and the ineffable excellence and goodness of the Creator. And these miracles shine forth especially in the little book of the structure of Animals, whose contemplation we are undertaking.

But, because although all men are called to the inspection and reading of this divine Book, and no one is excluded from its contemplation, yet it is not given to everyone to enter into its Sanctuary; that is to say, it is not permitted to everyone to read and perceive the arcane meanings which are inscribed in the living characters of that Book, since the tireless study of the most learned men who have flourished up to our times has only discovered and shown the parts composing Animals, and very many of their uses. But what is more arcane and divine within them, it is clear has not yet been noted and understood. This happens because simple anatomists and common philosophers are not very solicitous, nor do they care to