De tabe et phthisi pronunciata

A decorative initial letter 'V' contains a woodcut illustration of a figure, possibly a putto or classical figure, holding a staff or spear, set within a circular frame with floral and foliage ornamentation.

When for a long time and with much anxious solicitude I had been suspended in thought concerning the plan to be adopted, by which I might, most splendid men, refresh as if by a return original: "postliminiò" the memory of me—intercepted by a certain injury of time and distance of places—among you, and exhibit some specimen and proof of singular observance: no other occasion has presented itself as yet more suitable than this one which I am now seizing. If I were to allow it to be snatched away from me or torn from my hands, I could be accused of having had little regard for the account of my gift and for your honor. Therefore, following my own inclination, since the order of the monthly medical disputation had already returned to me by the exhortation and command of my teachers, I wished to dedicate this premature offspring of my little talent to you, to be received, I hope, with open arms and cherished gently in the bosom of your kindness.