Heronis Alexandrini spiritalium liber

To the most illustrious and most reverend Julius Rovere, most esteemed Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church.

Valerius Spaciolus sends greetings.

An ornamental drop cap 'F' featuring a putto holding a banner, set against a landscape background with buildings.

Federico Commandino, my father-in-law, told me more than once before his death that he intended to hand this book of Heron, which he had recently rendered into Latin, to the printers, and that he had decided it should be published dedicated to you. He wanted to give a token of his gratitude toward you for the many benefits you bestowed upon him. Furthermore, he judged it improper that the writings of a man who is always deservedly numbered among the prince-mathematicians should not be dedicated to a prince of a man. And since men of noble and excellent spirit have recognized this book as their delight, and from it have extracted countless decorations for places which are established for the sake of the mind, it would be wrong if it were not recommended to a most noble and excellent Patron. Therefore, just as I observe that I have satisfied the will of a man most devoted to your greatness as well as my own duty, so I am certain that I have consulted well for this charming little book, which was placed under the press immediately upon Commandino's death, by dedicating it to you. With that serene and...