A decorative woodcut headpiece features two rows of repeating ornaments, with upward-pointing foliate flourishes above and circular scroll motifs below.

TO THE MOST NOBLE, AND

Most Learned Lord,

SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON,

Peer of England, Member of the Council to the Most Serene King of Great Britain, CHARLES the First, etc.

WE are born not for ourselves alone, but for the whole society of mankind, most deserving and most learned Lord, and therefore, if God’s blessing has granted me anything in this earthly pilgrimage, I have not hesitated to make it public property immediately. With this intention, not long ago, I sent my observations into the light, candidly and without pretense, in which many things were contained that are very useful for the sick and for the knowledge of nature.