Authors/Egidius de Vadis

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Preface, by Egidius de Vadis [Giles Duwes]; Latin

Source: Egidius de Vadis, Dialogus inter naturam et filium philosophiae, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Frankfurt am Main: Johannes Saur for Johann Rex, 1595, sig. A5v–A6r [BP.Penot.1595-01]

The author recounts years of diligent and exhaustive research into the mysteries of nature, characterized by countless night studies and unwavering dedication. Despite the complexity and obscurity encountered in philosophical works, filled with metaphors, enigmas, and aphorisms, the author reaches a point of exhaustion. The text describes a moment of revelation where nature itself, personified, addresses the author directly, offering consolation and wisdom. Nature, speaking in a soothing voice, reassures the author not to fear and expresses that it has been sent by God's command. The author is promised happiness in two ways: the grace of witnessing nature's wonders firsthand, despite being unlearned and unqualified, and the assurance that their doubts will be addressed. Nature invites the author to ask freely, promising to reveal the truths granted to them. The author humbly acknowledges their limitations in speech and expresses gratitude to God for this divine assignment of nature as a guide. The preface ends with nature encouraging the author to voice their doubts, promising to listen and respond, thus setting the stage for a dialogue that seeks to uncover the secrets of nature.

Letters

• Letter, July 1521, Egidius de Vadis [Giles Duwes] to a friend; Latin

Source: Egidius de Vadis, Dialogus inter naturam et filium philosophiae, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Frankfurt am Main: Johannes Saur for Johann Rex, 1595, sig. A4v–A5r [BP.Penot.1595-01]

Egidius de Vadis writes to his friend, expressing humility and admiration. Despite acknowledging his own lack of expertise in sciences, de Vadis is driven by virtue to pursue knowledge and honor those who embody it, particularly his friend N, whose virtues he highly esteems. De Vadis criticizes those who seek honor through eloquent but superficial teachings, comparing them to children who prefer trivial pleasures over genuine value. He contrasts this with his own approach, which values the pursuit of the deeper truths of nature over superficial eloquence. De Vadis expresses confidence that his writings, though modest, will be well received by his friend due to their shared values and mutual respect.