On Natural Motions Depending on Gravity

we see they are derived; thus it is fitting that our parents procreate in their children a nature and character that is not at all different or foreign to themselves. From this it happens that those born from distinguished and heroic ancestors for the most part obtain that excellence of mind and character. Add to this that since the greater and principal part of human actions depends on ingrained or acquired opinion, no less than on natural instinct, it happens that a heavy burden is placed upon nobles to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. They are convinced that it is shameful and unworthy to be degenerate descendants of illustrious progenitors. Instead, they think they must achieve even more outstanding deeds through their own hand, talent, and wisdom, for the splendor of themselves and their lineage, and for the benefit of the fatherland.

Everyone confesses with one voice, Most Excellent Marquess, that these praises are owed to you by the best right. You hold the twenty-fifth place in a long line of the Counts of Arena original: Comitum Arenae, a noble lineage begun five centuries ago. You not only maintain this nobility, but you have also strived to surpass their distinguished virtues. Although I will remain silent regarding their illustrious achievements at home and in war, it will be worthwhile at present to mention only one thing: your care for the sciences and for those men who profess to cultivate philosophy original: Philosophiam and illustrate it with new discoveries.

In this, you are led by the brilliant example of your most illustrious grandfather. He followed Bernardino Telesio original: Bernardinum Telesium; an influential Renaissance philosopher who emphasized observation over tradition with extraordinary love as Telesio philosophized above the common level, and he supported him with his protection and patronage. You are the one who first established a society or Academy original: Academiam; this refers to the Accademia degli Investiganti in Naples in your own museum In the 1600s, a "museum" often referred to a private study or a place for scholarly assembly in the famous Neapolitan city original: Partenopea, my own birthplace. In this academy, philosophical truths are investigated through certain and indubitable experiments, rather than through empty and quarrelsome disputes, for the good of the literary republic. You have performed this with the greatest care and generosity, gathering together the most famous and learned men: Caramuel original: Caramuele; referring to Juan Caramuel y Lobkowitz, a prominent polymath and mathematician and Tommaso Cornelio original: Thoma Cornelio; a physician and a founding figure of the Neapolitan academy.