Micrographia nova: sive nova & curiosa variorum minutorum corporum singularis cujusdam & noviter

A decorative floral ornament at the top of the page.

MAJESTY. To the greatest Monarch and Moderator of this Universe, to whose nod everything born or originated in the macrocosm great world complies, and who (as befits earthly GODS) with a single little word, FIAT Latin: "Let it be done", compels everyone to arms and obedience.

This new microcosm small world, I say, having gathered together the armored and rarest little creatures of the air, earth, and sea, awaits the commands of Your Majesty; and with most submissive devotion kisses the ends of Your August Scepter. And if these wondrous creatures could serve Your most Glorious ROMAN IMPERIAL MAJESTY with their stunning arms, armor, points, branches, and hooks in the destruction of enemies and common foes of Christianity, (which the monuments of past centuries and the ramparts revealed in the Holy Scriptures, during the reign of Pharaoh, testify that the Triune Deity permitted), they would certainly leave nothing untried.

In this respect, this microcosm small world of mine is most humbly unfurled at the feet of YOUR SACRED ROMAN IMPERIAL MAJESTY by me, as guide and most submissive servant and military architect to YOUR SACRED MAJESTY—