Theater of Machines, Vol. 6

known, though necessary and useful inventa, for the benefit of the common German nation: I have also always had to look around for such patrons who possess a special liking for such arts, and who are themselves knowledgeable in them, and who could not only defend the same against detractors and wise-acres, but also show themselves to be promoters in making them known to others. Since I am well aware that my brother-in-law is likewise a special lover of all liberal arts, and that through his promotion my mentioned Collectanea have been brought far and wide, and [he] will be able to stand up sufficiently against the zealots, I have, as it were, taken the liberty of wishing to dedicate and assign this sixth and last part to my brother-in-law, in the good and undoubted hope that my brother-in-law will accept this presentation in no other way than as well-intentioned by me, and will again maintain his great and favorable affection toward me, as has happened hitherto. In whatever I can render pleasant service to my brother-in-law in return, I shall always be found more than willing to do so with unstinted diligence and means.