An ornamental border runs across the top of the page, featuring repeating symmetrical patterns of stylized floral motifs and scrolling vine-work.

To the Most Honorable /

Respectable / Highly Learned / Most Wise

Gentlemen / Mayor and Council of the City of Leipzig /

My most gracious Lords and patrons.

Large ornamental drop cap 'E' at the start of the dedication text, decorated with dense floral scrollwork, leaves, and a bird-like figure intertwined with the letter.Most Honorable / Respectable /
Highly Learned / Most Wise / most gracious Lords
and patrons / It is commonly said / that all good things / the more common they are / the better they become: especially those / which are very convenient and advantageous for the promotion of the common good.

Among all arts and sciences / there is none so
necessary for a well-ordered and organized government / and more helpful to the common good / than the art and
science of architecture, which is as it were a queen and
governess of all mechanical arts.