Cosmographia Petri Apiani, per Gemmam Frisium ... iam demum ab omnibus vindicata mendis, ac nonnullis quoque locis aucta ...

for it leads to the knowledge not only of poets and historians, but also of the sacred scriptures. As that most learned Ptolemy, monarch of all mathematicians, Pomponius Mela, Dionysius, Solinus, that most truthful Strabo, Aeneas Silvius, Volaterranus, Orosius, and the remaining geographers testify. Receive therefore, most eminent Prelate, this Cosmographical work, computed by us faithfully and with that completion which is customary to be read in the work of Ptolemy: if the pious reader peruses it with diligent study, he will profess with the greatest gratitude of spirit that he has attained no small fruit for the geographical discipline. Here, those things which have been worked out elsewhere separately by the most learned minds, we have collected under a certain compendium. I have therefore deemed it to be worth the effort if the observation of the whole world were contained in one volume, lest the beginner in the geographical profession be held back, caught in some boredom on account of excessive prolixity and obscurity: or rather, lest some poor person be deterred on account of the multitude of books and the magnitude of the work and price of Ptolemy. I do not boast here of my own erudition or genius: for the thing is of such a nature that it either approves or explodes itself. Indeed, I hope that you will find nothing here that is foreign to the cosmographical profession. I have certainly tried as much as I am able, so that I might reach the most absolute knowledge of cosmography, and indeed I seem to have satisfied myself in this matter, according to that poetic saying: In great things, it is enough even to have willed. You, in the meantime, most praiseworthy Prelate, allow this work, whatever it may be, to be dedicated to your piety by me with a good spirit. It is not new, but also the writers of the ancients were accustomed (as is clear to all) to choose patrons for new booklets, by whose auspices a certain strength and authority might accrue to the books themselves, which in this matter I also think I have done not improperly, according to the Plinian sentiment: Many things seem very precious because they are dedicated to temples. Farewell, most learned Prince, most adorned Prelate in the integrity of both morals and virtues. Accept the labor of my genius, however slight, with a cheerful face: before long, you are about to receive from us, with the Muses kindly helping, greater things published under your title. Farewell again, sweet protection of learned men: and hold me commended. From happy Landshut, in the year 1524, on the 7th day before the Kalends of February.