De ventriculi natura, et affectibus

TO THE REVEREND AND MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN, MASTER IACOBUS GRYNAEUS,

Doctor of Sacred Theology, and Professor in the Renowned Gymnasium of Basel, his most respected Patron.

Large ornamental initial V at the beginning of the main text block.

TWO reasons in particular have impelled me, most learned Grynaeus, to inscribe your name upon these Medical Theses, which I had decided to propose for the examination of the doctors in this most celebrated Gymnasium of Basel: one, because by your counsel and authority you drew me into this arena when I was wavering and, as was fitting, distrustful of the meager nature of my own talent; the other, because you not only deigned to grant me hospitality when I arrived here as a stranger and unknown, but also favored me with every kind of service you could. For I thought that this first fruit of my talent was owed to no other than him who, as if by placing lime at the root of a tree, had promoted its ripening. It is also the mark of a well-bred man by no means to conceal in silence the benefits bestowed upon him, but rather to proclaim them among others, lest he fall under the suspicion of ingratitude—that most foul vice—among good men. Lest I should seem associated with such disgrace, I wished to seize the opportunity that has arisen and dedicate these Theses to your kindness, so that they might stand as eternal witnesses both of your benefits toward me and, in turn, of my gratitude and respect toward you. And just as I do not doubt that, in your singular kindness, you will look favorably upon this expression and testimony of my grateful heart, I also earnestly ask of you that you allow me always to have some place among the number of your friends and clients in the future. Fare well and happily. Farewell. May God, Best and Greatest, deign to preserve you in safety for us for many years. Given at Basel of the Rauraci, the 24th of February, 1578.

FRANCISCVS FAGELIVS

Fleming of Bruges.