Elements of Myology (Elementorum Myologiae Specimen)

I interpret it as a great proof of Your favor that, here in Italy, here in Florence, and here in a court most flourishing in intellect, a Prince most celebrated throughout the entire learned world for his solid knowledge of things has deigned to grant to me, a man from the North who can scarcely be counted among minds of average ability, those hours during which you relax a mind exhausted by public cares, finding in the mysteries of nature and art that delight which others might seek in games and jokes. Added to this is the fact that You have assigned me lodging in the city, and have offered everything for my studies and experiments—without me even asking—which might have served them. I pass over many other benefits, far greater than my merits, by which You have wished to testify to Your favor toward me day by day.

If I possessed the gift of eloquence, I would show a grateful spirit through a commemoration of Your praises, and by congratulating Anatomy, as well as other arts, I would demonstrate that You are not only a benevolent patron of all,