De praecipius visus symptomatis eorumque causis Physica & Medica contemplatio

Image description: Large ornamental drop cap 'V' featuring floral and scrollwork patterns.

A certain illustrious specimen thrives in every genre of the arts, not indeed found in the thing itself or in a cruder sense, but outlined by the mind and genius of every excellent craftsman, in which the equal judgment of subordinate actions is turned. This is truly that Idea archetypal form, fulfilled everywhere in its numbers and parts; this is that "four-square, topmost, and most perfect figure" original: "πλάγμα τετράγωνον, ἀκρότατον, καὶ τελειότατον", in the emulation of which the studies of many are occupied, and which, according to Plato, if it were to fall under the sight of the eyes, would excite wonderful loves for itself. Yet in such a variety of disciplines, the condition of this is not one and the same; rather, as they are distinguished by degrees among themselves, whether by use, by the nature of the subject, by a peculiar method of treatment, or finally by a more eminent dignity of kind: so the archetypes of the same are contained by a like fate and place, and the comparison of small things with great ones is not equal. Therefore, the more sublime, firm, and excellent the function of any art, the more beautifully and clearly it produces its image, comprehended by the sole agitation of the mind; to baser things corresponds a baser image, yet adorned and painted with its own colors, so that you may recognize the perfect one.