Theses ex materia successionis ab intestato

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST EXCELLENT DOCTORS OF BOTH LAWS, Master Vito Vvickius, advocate of the Republic of Ulm, and Master Ioannes Bonriederus, my kinsman and uncle, to be honored with all observance, greetings.

A decorative initial 'C' contains a woodcut illustration of a wild man standing amidst foliage.

Since it is the custom, most illustrious men, for those who are to propose theses for disputation to choose patrons to whom they are accustomed to dedicate them, I have decided, by natural instinct, to bestow this honor upon you as the most praiseworthy authors of this entire endeavor of mine. For I would consider it a sin if I were to prefer anyone over you in this matter; indeed, I would seem to have fallen not only into the vice of ingratitude, than which nothing is more detestable, but also to have violated the laws of both affinity and blood, than which nothing is more inhuman. If I were to begin to speak of the benefits conferred upon me by you, a most expansive field for enumeration would open; but the quality of this paper work and the shortness of time do not seem to permit it. This much at least I say: that throughout the entire course of my studies, I have used you as truly most faithful and select advisors, and fortune has thus far always responded to my desires. May God, the Best and Greatest, for His immense goodness