The Operations of the Geometric and Military Compass

tribute them to himself; because as for making myself cautious, I do not lack the testimonies of Princes and other great Lords, who for 8 years now have seen this Instrument and learned its use from me; of whom it will suffice for me now to name only four. One was the Illustrious & Excellent Lord John Frederick, Prince of Hesse, etc., & Count in Oldenburg etc., who in the year 1598 learned from me the use of this Instrument, though not yet reduced to perfection. And shortly after, I was honored with the same favor by the Most Serene Archduke D. Ferdinand of Austria. The Illustrious & Excellent Lord Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, & Count of Nida, etc., in the year 1601 understood the same use here in Padua. And the Most Serene of Mantua two years ago wished to hear the explanation of it from me.

Finally, it being my intention to explain at present operations for the most part pertaining to the Soldier, I have judged it to be good to write in the Tuscan language The Italian vernacular., so that if the book should sometimes come into the hands of persons more skilled in the Militia than in the Latin language, it may be conveniently understood by them. Live happily.