Iacobi Acontii Tridentini de methodo, hoc est, de recta investigandarum, tradendarumque artium, ac scientiarum ratione

This, no one will wonder at who thinks Plato had at least some judgment, when he makes Socrates say in the Phaedrus a dialogue by Plato that if he found someone who could know one and many things which is, however, but a part of methodical reason, he was accustomed to follow his footsteps as if he were some divinity. But much less will he wonder who has exercised himself in that matter for some time. For so great is its utility, studious reader believe me, that no one can estimate it unless he has experienced it, however much it may appear to consist of a few thin precepts.

However, we have especially striven to combine the greatest brevity with equal perspicuity. For since the utility of the arts does not consist in the knowledge of them but in their use, and it is necessary, if you wish to use any art, that its precepts be at hand for you, just as the elements of letters are to one who wishes to write or read...