PREFACE

...infallible teacher. Therefore, fortified by this and by the doctrine of the Holy Fathers, especially the Holy and Great Augustine—who, by design, explained the books of Genesis against the Manichaeans and Pelagians—I begin to declare the present question. You, benevolent Reader, judge this attempt of mine fairly, and do not disdain to supply with your own more ample learning what is missing in me. Farewell.

A decorative tailpiece depicts a mermaid (Melusine) centered between scrolling foliage and flowers.