Anatomy or the Interior of Things

I acknowledge the slightness of this gift, for it in no way surpasses the station of its author, and would scarcely, or indeed hardly at all, be noticed by anyone else turning their gaze from a comparable height of dignity without the aid of a microscope. But you, most Serene King, whose keen sight lets nothing escape, however small, will, I know, graciously look upon this indicator of my mind and discover with what zeal it follows you in this corner of the earth.

Given at Delft, in the Netherlands, on the very Kalends of March, 1687.