Preface.

The author is addressing a high-ranking noble, likely the Count Palatine Wolfgang of Zweibrücken. ...nor does it bring any disadvantage to Princes and Lords, or diminish Princely dignity; for to rightly recognize the plants of the earth and to use them correctly is not a human work, but rather the work of God Himself. Your Princely Grace has many excellent predecessors in this matter, not only among the highly intelligent Heathens referring to classical Greek and Roman scholars like Dioscorides and Pliny, but even the wisest King Solomon himself. Beside his manifold great affairs and his role as the executor of Divine Law, Solomon took an interest in the plants of the earth and disputed concerning all things (and as the Scripture says) spoke of the very smallest herb that grows out of the wall A reference to 1 Kings 4:33, often cited by Renaissance botanists to justify their studies. Having these things before his eyes, he understood very well that even in lowly creatures, divine power lies hidden.

Therefore, I most humbly pray Your Princely Grace that you would graciously accept this book of many plants of the earth—composed and dedicated to the praise and honor of Your Princely Grace—and perhaps read therein for the sake of pleasure. In doing so, observe how our ancestors, both of high and low station, conducted themselves in such matters, and what benefit and welfare they created for their descendants; for which we, to this very day, do not know how to thank them or in any way compare ourselves to them. And may Your Princely Grace also graciously protect, shield, and rescue this, your book, from the poisonous animals and all the attacks of the vermin, the wolves, and the foxes who so gladly do harm A metaphorical warning against critics, plagiarists, or religious detractors. For in this book, nothing other than the true, ancient, truthful, well-founded, and constant Art of Herbarism original: "Kreütter kunst" is taught and described with the highest diligence, newly and clearly, for the eternal praise of God the Lord from whom it originates, for the honor of Your Princely Grace, and thereafter for the benefit and welfare of everyone. Without doubt, many pious people—to whom the benefit of these plants shall come after Your Princely Grace—will accept this with joy and give high thanks. Furthermore, they shall seek the Almighty eternal God with heartfelt and earnest prayer, that the eternally merciful God would graciously preserve Your Princely Grace: first from all attacks of the Adversary and his hostile gangs, and thereafter from all ailments of the body through His rightful means, keeping you fresh and healthy for a long time in Christian government. Amen. Given at Hornbach, the first of April, the year [15]46.