Preface.

It is with me as it is with children in schools, and I share their same thoughts when they say: whoever despises the small is not worthy of the great. A common pedagogical proverb suggesting that one must master basic or minor principles before being granted access to higher mysteries. If this work proves pleasant to you, then I hereby promise you something better, which shall be delivered to you as soon as possible.

original: "Vale, vive, & judica bene." A traditional Latin closing, wishing the reader health and asking for a fair assessment of the text.

A typographical ornament consisting of ten small floral or sunburst-shaped printer's marks arranged in an inverted triangle (rows of four, three, two, and one).