Greetings from Philip Melanchthon to the most honourable and outstanding man, Dominus Hieronymus Baumgartnerus, Senator of Nuremberg

Some criticise and deride the titles which we have given to the little textbooks, although they were sufficiently substantial – on the world, the heavens, the nature of animated beings, on the soul – saying that these textbooks contain wholly trifling and trivial knowledge, and that they barely represent a shadow of these greatest things. For that reason they disdain most arrogantly these wretched writings and discussions. Although it has to be admitted that textbooks do not correspond to the vastness of such great things any more than the painting of the Roman state on the shield of Aeneas corresponded to the greatness of the deeds, virtues and power of the Roman people, nevertheless that knowledge is very necessary for life. Some elements and first principles are handed down in order that they stir up minds to ponder nature in some way. And we advance as far as we can, for God, too, has commanded us to contemplate His work, and He assists our study, for He has repeatedly disclosed many things that are useful for life. At the same time we notice the traces of God pressed upon nature, by which He wants to be known, and we learn the origins of worthy actions, and discover much help for life. It is profitable to know the disposition of bodies, the causes of diseases and some remedies.