Disputatio de tutelis

a very brave hero of memory, as well as your great uncle Ludwig, who was truly a shining gem not only of your own family but of the entire Austrian nobility, and who was, as the poet says of a preeminent hero, a brave warrior and a wise counselor. Looking upon this distinguished family of yours, give thanks to God that He willed for you to be born from such a splendid and excellent lineage of ancestors. At the same time, consider that it is the will of God that you cultivate the excellence of nature and character you have received from your ancestors, and that you apply yourself to this alone, so that the glory of your ancient family does not fade in you. In order to contribute as much as I can to this end, I dedicate these Theses to you, for the writing and examination of which I had scarcely eight days, as you know. I pray most earnestly that you receive them with the same spirit with which they are offered to you. If you do this, as I have no doubt you will, I shall rejoice and congratulate myself. Farewell. Basel, February 16,

Philipp Matthaeus.

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