TO THE DISCREET READERS

A decorative drop cap 'L' with a woodcut design depicts figures and floral elements.

The opportunity to associate with so many great Lords in this most noble Studio The University of Padua was historically referred to as a "Studio". of Padua to instruct them in the Mathematical Sciences, has made me know through long experience, how not entirely indecent was the request of that great Disciple A reference to King Hiero of Syracuse asking Archimedes to simplify the study of geometry. who sought from Archimedes, his master in Geometry, a path more easy and open that might lead him to the acquisition of that knowledge: because even in this age there are very few to whom the steep and thorny paths, through which one must pass before one can arrive at the acquisition of the precious fruits of these sciences, do not bring displeasure, or who, frightened by the long bitterness and more by not seeing, or being able to imagine, how these dark and unknown roads can lead them to the desired end, do not stop midway and abandon the enterprise. And I have seen this happen all the more frequently the more I have encountered great personages: as those who, being occupied and distracted in so many other affairs, cannot exercise in these the assiduous patience that would be necessary. I therefore, excusing them together with the young King of Syracuse, and desiring that they do not remain, due to the difficulty and length of the common roads, deprived of knowledge so necessary to noble Lords, turned myself to attempt to open this truly Royal Way, which with the help of this Compass of mine teaches in very few days all that which is received from Geometry and Arithmetic for Civil and Military use not without very long studies by ordinary ways.