Preface.

[renow]ned and learned man, after he had served God and all the world with his erudition as a famous professor at Königsberg in Prussia, did not at one time think it wrong to leave something behind for posterity in small writings, and began to publicly publish a few sheets, intending, as he sought the best and benefit of his neighbor, to gain immortal praise for himself thereby (as is right and fair). His writings, however, had to be short and sweet, for which reason a mocker original: "Spott-Vogel," literally a "mocking-bird," referring to a person who uses derisive or sarcastic wit. jeered at him, asking why he, as another Virgil original: "Virgilius," the ancient Roman poet of the Aeneid. and Homer original: "Homerus," the legendary Greek author of the Iliad., did not also write such beautiful, large works original: "Opera." as those mentioned. This learned man let his contentment be sufficiently felt, stating that in small works he also desired no great fame; yet to counter this untimely question and curiosity, he gave as an answer: that oxen, donkeys, cows, and mules never wish to be content drinking from flasks or small glasses, but only like to seek and guzzle from great, turbid waters, such as the Danube, Elbe, Rhine, and similar large rivers; whereas, on the other hand, the sensible and rational