Dedication, 1580-01-05, Thomas Erastus to Karl I., Pfalzgraf bei Rhein, Herzog von Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld
| Author: | Thomas Erastus |
| Recipient: | Karl I., Pfalzgraf bei Rhein, Herzog von Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld |
| Type: | Dedication |
| Date: | 5 January 1580 |
| Place: | no place [Heidelberg] |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Quote as: | https://www.theatrum-paracelsicum.com/index.php?curid=3017 |
| Editor: | Edited by Julian Paulus |
| Source: | Thomas Erastus, Theses de pinguedinis in animalibus generatione et concretione, Heidelberg: Jacob Müller 1580, sig. A2r–A2v [BP.Erastus.1580-04]
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| Reprinted in: | BP.Erastus.1595-01 |
| Translation: | Raw translation see below |
| Abstract: | Erastus dedicates his work to the Prince, highlighting a recent exposition he made on a chapter from Galen's book. Erastus defended Galen against criticisms from Giovanni Argenterio, emphasizing the importance of the discussed topic for both medical students and those studying physiology. He believes the subject is worthy of public debate and recalls similar debates by renowned scholars like Laurent Joubert. Erastus expresses joy as Lord Charles is designated as the Rector, the highest authority in their Republic, believing this appointment will bring glory to the liberal arts and benefit the Academy. (generated by Chat-GPT) |
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[sig. A2r] Illvstrissimo Principi, Domino Carolo, Comiti Palatino Rheni, Dvci Bavariæ, Comiti Veldentiæ & Spanhemij, &c. Academiæ Heydelbergensis Rectori, &c. Domino suo Clementißimo.
Cvm nvper illvstrissime Princeps & Magnifice Domine Rector, auditoribus meis caput quinquagesimum tertium libri Galeni, quem τέχνην ἰατρικὴν inscripsit, exponerem, eumq́ue à Iohanne Argenterio, Italo, viro, præclarè quidem docto, sed ad mordendum alios nimis promto, iniustè hoc nomine reprehendi animaduerterem, quasi non satis consentaneè Naturæ de pinguedinis in animalibus concretione disseruisset, non debui eum aduersus iniustam accusationem non defendere. In huius rei examine versanti non obscurè patuit, quam hæc disputatio latè pateat, quamq́ue vtilis futura sit accuratior eius explicatio, non solum Medicinæ Candidatis, verùm etiam totius Physiologiæ studiosis. Hac de causa dignam esse iudicaui, quæ publicè desceptetur: cum præsertim tempus, quo nos leges iuuentutem in ijs rebus exercere disputando iubent, quas quouis tempore profitemur iuam appropinquaret. In sententia me confirmabat, quod eandem Camarinam, à Domino Laurentio Iouberto Gallo, excellente doctrina clarissimo Medico (Quem magis vt ingenium exerceret, quàm quod seriò ita sentiret, contra Veterum sententiam disputauisse reor) pluribus motam recordarer. Dum igitur totam hanc [sig. A2v] tractationem Thesibus complecti conor, ecce singulari Dei opt[imi] Max[imi] prouidentia votis omnium, Rector, id est, summus Reipub[licae] nostræ Magistratus & Gubernator auspicatò designaris. Quantum ex eo dignitatis bonis artibus accesserit nihil attinet hic dicere.
Quantum ad Academiam emolumenti rediturum sit, prudentes iam prospiciunt, reliqui suo tempore cognituri sunt. Nisi me vehementer spes ac vota mea omnia fallunt, erit hic Magistratus non solum tuæ Cels[itudinis] gloriosus, verum etiam Academiæ fructuosus. Quare cum & Cels[itudinis] tuæ hanc dignitatem (quid enim bonorum artium studio magis ornat Principes bonos & pios?) & Academiæ suam felicitatem gratularer, nec alia se nunc ratio offerret, animum meum declarandi, hasce pagellas sub Cels[itudinis] tuæ nomine publicare volui. Eas tu Princeps Illustriss[ime] Rectorq́ue Magnifice, qua es prudentia humanitateq́ue præditus, non aspernaberis, scio: si non tàm ad earum molem, quàm officium respexeris. Nam vt summum tibi in Academia honorem gratulentur, & vice strenæ annum faustissimum precentur, deniq́ue animi mei erga tuam Cels[itudinem] obseruantiam testificentur, ad te veniunt. Quanquam si tibi res, quæ iin eis continentur & explicantur, expendere libeat, non in Medicina solum, verum etiam in totius naturæ cognitione maximum habere vsum perspiecies. AEternum æterni Dei Patris[c1] filium, Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum ardentibus votis precor, vt hic annus pariter & Magistratus tum Cels[itudinis] tuæ, tum Academiæ felicissimè eveniat. Die 5. Ianuarij 80.
T[uae] C[elsitudinis] Obseruantisimus Thomas Erastus.
English Raw Translation
Generated by ChatGPT-4 on 18 August 2023. Attention: This translation is a machine translation by artificial intelligence. The translation has not been checked and should not be cited without additional human verification.
To the Most Illustrious Prince, Lord Charles, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Count of Veldenz and Spanheim, etc., Rector of the University of Heidelberg, etc., his most gracious Lord.
When recently, most illustrious Prince and Magnificent Lord Rector, I was explaining to my listeners the fifty-third chapter of Galen's book, which he titled "τέχνην ἰατρικὴν", and noticed that it was unjustly criticized by John Argenterio, an Italian, a man indeed well-learned, but too quick to bite others, as if he had not discussed the concretion of fat in animals in a manner consistent with Nature, I could not refrain from defending him against this unjust accusation. While examining this matter, it became clear how broad this discussion is and how useful a more detailed explanation would be, not only for candidates in Medicine but also for all students of Physiology. For this reason, I judged it worthy of public debate, especially since the time was approaching when our laws command us to engage the youth in debates on subjects we profess at any time. My opinion was reinforced by recalling that the same topic had been debated by Lord Laurentius Joubert, a Frenchman, a most distinguished doctor in his knowledge (whom I believe debated more to exercise his intellect than because he seriously held that opinion against the Ancients). Therefore, as I try to encompass this entire discussion in theses, behold, by the singular providence of the best and greatest God, to everyone's wishes, Rector, that is, the highest Magistrate and Governor of our Republic, you are auspiciously designated. It is unnecessary to mention here how much dignity this adds to the liberal arts.
The wise already foresee how much benefit will return to the Academy, and the rest will know in due time. Unless all my hopes and wishes greatly deceive me, this Magistracy will be glorious not only for Your Highness but also fruitful for the Academy. Therefore, as I congratulate both Your Highness on this dignity (for what adorns good and pious Princes more than the study of the liberal arts?) and the Academy on its happiness, and no other means now presents itself to express my feelings, I wanted to publish these pages under Your Highness's name. I know that you, most illustrious Prince and Magnificent Rector, endowed with the wisdom and kindness that you possess, will not disdain them, especially if you consider not so much their volume but their intent. For they come to you to congratulate you on the highest honor in the Academy, to pray for a most auspicious year in lieu of a New Year's gift, and finally to testify to the respect of my heart towards Your Highness. However, if you wish to consider the matters contained and explained in them, you will see that they have great use not only in Medicine but also in the knowledge of all of nature. I fervently pray to the eternal Son of the eternal God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, that this year and Magistracy may turn out most happily both for Your Highness and for the Academy. January 5, 1580.
Your Highness's Most Obedient, Thomas Erastus.
