EXPLANATION

OF THE

TITLE-PLATE.

Large ornamental initial N beginning the first word "Natural Science" original: "Natuur-kunde".

Natural science, unafraid through the undisputed TRUTH
Of EXPERIENCE, here takes its place safely upon the Altar.
It illuminates the Philosopher, who, deceived by himself,
Rests upon his fine IMAGINATION; it removes the blindfold from his eyes.
The manifold scientific instruments that surround her below,
Teach how the right investigation of things penetrates deeper
Into the true wonders of Nature's secrets
Than the flattering UNDERSTANDING, the bare CONCEPTION, or REASON,
Which, when EXPERIENCE is lacking, however proud, is alone
Rich in fine thoughts and poor in practical realities.
She points with her other hand to where someone, with trust
And reverence, can behold the glorious light of TRUTH,
While a STRONG SPIRIT meaning a defiant or rebellious mind, who despises investigation,
Rages against this brilliance in the darkness of his night.
A ray of the DIVINITY accompanies this knowledge
Of created things, despite the boldest sacrilege;
And shows in the great UNIVERSE the undeniable mark
Of the SPEAKER in his WORD, and of the MAKER in his WORK.

An allegorical frontispiece engraving. At the top, the Greek word "GOD" original: "ΘΕΟΣ" radiates light from within a cloud bank. Below, a central female figure representing Wisdom or Natural Science stands on a pedestal. She uses one hand to lift a blindfold from the eyes of a kneeling man, and with the other hand points toward the divine light above. To the right, a celestial figure, perhaps Truth, holds a radiant heart or sun. In the foreground are numerous scientific and anatomical objects: a terrestrial globe, a celestial globe, a telescope, an air pump, a microscope, a skeleton, surgical tools, and mathematical instruments. In the background, natural phenomena like a volcanic eruption, a rainbow, and a stormy sea are shown. A pedestal in the center bears the title of the work.