A decorative woodcut headpiece consisting of four circular medallions containing floral patterns, linked together by horizontal bands and enclosed within an ornate rectangular border with scrolled edges.

TO THE MOST HIGH AND MAG-

NANIMOUS PRINCE PHI-

lippe of Austria, Catholic King,

Iean baptiste Porta the Neapo-

litan, Greeting.

Large decorative drop cap initial 'N' featuring intricate scrollwork and floral motifs.

Our nature has always been such, most victorious King, to take pleasure in things great, admirable, and surpassing the forces of the spirit, and to this we have desired to devote ourselves entirely. Thinking then within myself what illustrious and royal science would be worthy, suitable, and becoming to such study and application of my mind, I have found that it is a beautiful work, and the greatest that a wise man could do, to bring to fruition and perfect some admirable work, by which all the bodily senses are favorably attracted and recreated. This most excellent science lies in the knowledge of things, and the cause of them, and in seeking the secrets of