Propositiones de lithiasi tōn nephrōn

A large ornamental drop cap 'P' introduces the text.

Instructed by the teachings of the most learned masters, and confirmed by the example of the divine Aristotle, I have always judged that nothing is more useful for those investigating the nature of things and pursuing the sciences and arts than to engage often and deeply in discussions and learned public and private exchanges. Therefore, desiring to reap the most abundant fruit of this endeavor, I have proposed these theses for dispute under the most distinguished man, D. FELIX PLATER, City Physician of the Basilians and most illustrious Dean of the Medical Faculty, a teacher to be honored for all eternity. Meanwhile, as these were being submitted to the press, the most welcome news was brought to me regarding your dignity, with which God, the Arbitrator and Moderator of all things, has long since adorned and rendered you more illustrious. I cannot find words worthy to express with what great pleasure I was filled, and how truly and from the heart I, though absent, congratulated you. One thing I cannot conceal from you, and that is my doubt as to whom I ought to congratulate most. Should it be YOU, who have combined the illustrious nobility of your lineage and the gifts of nature with a knowledge of languages, arts, and sciences, and the experience of history through the highest zeal, and have so cultivated your mind that you have acquired the praise of prudence and wisdom even in this early youth? Or should it be our celebrated RAETIA, which has gained its confederate—the most distinguished in spirit, lineage, and natural nobility—as a most prudent and worthy colleague in the supreme government of the Republic? Or finally, should it be the illustrious family of SCHOVENSTEIN, which, as the most distinguished annals testify, for several hundred years has been joined in kinship and affinity with Princes, and has administered the supreme helm of state in our ancient RAETIA with the greatest benefit to the Republic, and has continued to administer it until these times, and, with God disposing it for the benefit of our RAETIA, will continue to do so? For the degree of dignity attained by your father, the magnificent Lord RODOLPH (I defer writing of your other illustrious ancestors to another more convenient time), and before...