Authors/Guglielmo Grataroli

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 June 1561, Guglielmo Grataroli to Egenolf von Rappoltstein; Latin

Source: Guglielmo Grataroli, Regimen omnium iter agentium, Straßburg: Wendelin Rihel, 1563, sig. A2r–A6r [BP.Grataroli.1563-02]

The core of the letter reflects on the human condition as travelers, guests, and pilgrims on Earth, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life compared to the eternal homeland in heaven. Gratarolus draws upon biblical patriarchs like Jacob and figures such as David and the Apostle Paul to illustrate the concept of life as a pilgrimage, where stability and permanence are found not on Earth but in the afterlife with God.
He argues that this perspective encourages the faithful to live in anticipation of heaven, making the trials of life bearable and fostering a willingness to leave behind earthly attachments for the promise of eternal bliss. Gratarolus also touches on his own endeavors to contribute to the well-being of travelers by compiling guides and documents, acknowledging the work of Georg Pictorius, a physician in Ensisheim, who has done similar work. The letter conveys a deep respect for the Baron, whom Gratarolus regards as a noble and pious figure, likening their relationship to that of Aeneas and Achates from classical antiquity.

• Dedicatory Preface, 1 January 1553, Guglielmo Grataroli to Edward VI, King of England and Ireland; Latin

Source: Guglielmo Grataroli, De memoria reparanda, augenda, servandaque, Zurich: Andreas Gessner and Rudolf Wyssenbach, 1553, sig. A2r–A3v = fol. 2r–3v [BP.Grataroli.1553-01]

Grataroli expresses his desire to gain the King's recognition through his scholarly work. Grataroli has prepared two books, one on the art of memory and the other on physiognomy, which he believes will be of public benefit. He follows the Platonic principle of seeking approval from the wise before publishing new works, emphasizing the importance of scrutiny and examination by the learned. The first book aims to provide concise and select remedies for improving memory, a faculty Grataroli considers the common treasury of all senses, essential for preserving experiences and knowledge. The second book on physiognomy is based on the premise that God's wisdom is reflected in the diversity of human forms, and understanding this can be useful and good. Grataroli argues that physiognomy, a practice dating back to ancient times and validated by long observations and experiences, can reveal a person's nature from their physical appearance. He asserts that his work does not introduce new sciences but clarifies and makes accessible the discoveries of illustrious men, relying on experience as the primary authority. Grataroli uses clear and commonly used language to ensure understanding, presenting his work as a symbol of his respect for King Edward VI, whom he praises as an exemplary prince not in need of human commendation but already commended by God's eternal word.

• Dedicatory Preface, 1 February 1554, Guglielmo Grataroli to Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1554-01) (#5957)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, Opuscula, Basel: Nicolaus Episcopius, 1554

Grataroli addresses the King of Bohemia, Maximilian, offering prayers for his perpetual happiness from God. Grataroli recounts his previous year's endeavor of publishing three booklets, which, due to the insistence of friends and the printer, were released sooner than he desired. These works, initially dedicated to the King of England who passed away before he could see them, contained errors due to Grataroli's absence during printing. Upon revisiting, Grataroli corrected these mistakes and significantly improved the content, likening the revised edition to a more refined and valuable output.
Seeking a new patron for his enhanced work, Grataroli chose King Maximilian, drawn by his favorable reputation among powerful European nations and his commendable efforts in assembling a distinguished library. Grataroli's work focuses on memory, physiognomy, and perpetual prognostics, aiming to offer useful insights and remedies, particularly in the art of memory which he deems crucial for preserving knowledge. He defends the validity of physiognomy, citing historical practices and arguing for its utility in understanding human nature from physical appearance. The third book addresses the issue of unreliable predictions, advocating for a more empirical approach to prognostication.
Grataroli emphasizes his reliance on experience over the citation of numerous authors and opts for clarity and accessibility in his writing. He humbly dedicates his work to Maximilian, expressing respect and omitting lavish praises, confident in the King's inherent virtues and commendable actions. He suggests that his identity could be further elucidated by Joseph Salandus, the Queen's physician, who knows him well.

• Dedicatory Letter, 14 July 1554, Guglielmo Grataroli to Ascanio Marso; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1554-03)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, Pestis descriptio, Basel: Ludwig Lucius, 1554

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 March 1555, Guglielmo Grataroli to Francesco Grataroli; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1555-02)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, De literatorum & eorum qui magistratibus funguntur conseruanda praeseruandaque ualetudine, Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1555

• Preface, (1555), by Guglielmo Grataroli; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1555-02; BP.Grataroli.1562-02)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, De literatorum & eorum qui magistratibus funguntur conseruanda praeseruandaque ualetudine, Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1555

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 August 1556, Guglielmo Grataroli to Otto Henry, Elector Palatine; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1556-01)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, De naturalium effectuum causis, Basel: Pietro Perna, 1556

• Dedicatory Letter, (1556), Guglielmo Grataroli to Alexander Peyer; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1556-02)

from: Thurecensis physici, viri eruditissimi, De cometis Tractatus, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Michael Martin Stella, 1556

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 March 1561, Guglielmo Grataroli to Ferdinand de Salamanca, Count of Ortenburg, Baron of Freienstein and Karlsbach; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1561-01)

from: Verae alchemiae artisque metallicae, citra aenigmata, doctrina, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Heinrich Petri and Pietro Perna, 1561

• Preface, 1561, by Guglielmo Grataroli; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1561-01)

from: Verae alchemiae artisque metallicae, citra aenigmata, doctrina, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Heinrich Petri and Pietro Perna, 1561

• Preface, (1561), by Guglielmo Grataroli; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1561-01)

from: Verae alchemiae artisque metallicae, citra aenigmata, doctrina, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Heinrich Petri and Pietro Perna, 1561

• Dedicatory Letter, 1561-05, Guglielmo Grataroli to Stephanus Lauraeus; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1561-03)

from: Johannes de Rupescissa, De consideratione Quintae essentia, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Heinrich Petri and Pietro Perna, 1561

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 June 1561, Guglielmo Grataroli to Egenolf von Rappolstein; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1561-01)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, De regimine iter agentium, Basel, no printer [Nicolaus Brylinger], 1561

• Dedicatory Preface, 1 August 1566, Guglielmo Grataroli to Philipp IV, Count of Hanau-Lichtenberg; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1567-01)

from: William of Conches, Dialogus de substantiis physicis, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Straßburg: Josias Rihel, 1567

• Dedicatory Letter, 1 March 1567, Guglielmo Grataroli to Frederick III, Elector Palatine; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1567-02)

from: Pietro Pomponazzi, Opera, ed. Guglielmo Grataroli, Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1567

Notices, Editorial Remarks etc.

• Notice, (1552), [Guglielmo Grataroli] to the Reader; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1552-01) (#5928)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, Prognostica naturalia, De temporum mutatione, Basel: Jacob Kündig

The author reminds readers that just as lands vary in their produce, celestial signs differ by region. Interpretations should be region-specific, combining multiple signs for accuracy. Acknowledging their limitations, the author aims to contribute within their means, inviting more knowledgeable individuals to offer deeper insights.

• Notice, (1554), Guglielmo Grataroli to the Reader; Latin (Source: BP.Grataroli.1554-01)

from: Guglielmo Grataroli, Opuscula, Basel: Nicolaus Episcopius, 1554