Statics, 3
Original
Thus, can the Mathematicall minde, deale Speculatiuely in his own Arte: and by good meanes, Mount aboue the cloudes and sterres: And thirdly, he can, by order, Descend, to frame Naturall thinges, to wonderfull vses: and when he list, retire home into his owne Centre: and there, prepare more Meanes, to Ascend or Descend by: and, all, to the glory of God, and our honest delectation in earth.
Although, the Printer, hath looked for this Præface, a day or two, yet could I not bring my pen from the paper, before I had giuen you comfortable warning, and brief instructions, of some of the Commodities, by Statike, hable to be reaped: In the rest, I will therfore, be as brief, as it is possible: and with all, describing them, somwhat accordingly. And that, you shall perceiue, by this, which in order commeth next. For, wheras, it is so ample and wonderfull, that, an whole yeare long, one might finde fruitfull matter therin, to speake of: and also in practise, is a Threasure endeles: yet will I glanse ouer it, with wordes very few.
Musean translation
Modern machine-assisted Musean edition by Mouseia, from Dee's 1570 Praeface. Latin quotations and titles are translated into English, using Dee's own English glosses where provided. Printer's type-size markup is normalized; marginal notes are kept as asides. Billingsley's separate address is omitted. Uncertain readings are marked.
Thus the mathematical mind can deal speculatively in its own art, and by good means mount above the clouds and stars; and thirdly, it can, in order, descend, to frame natural things to wonderful uses, and, when it pleases, retire home into its own center, and there prepare more means to ascend or descend by, all to the glory of God and our honorable delight on earth.
Although the printer has looked for this preface a day or two, yet I could not bring my pen from the paper before I had given you encouraging notice and brief instructions about some of the benefits that may be reaped by statics. In the rest I will therefore be as brief as I possibly can, and, at the same time, describe them somewhat accordingly. And you will perceive as much from what comes next in order. For, whereas it is so ample and wonderful that one might find in it fruitful matter to speak of for a whole year, and in practice is a treasure without end, yet I will glance over it with very few words.
Plain English translation
Modern machine-assisted Plain English edition by Mouseia, from Dee's 1570 Praeface. Latin quotations and titles are translated into English, using Dee's own English glosses where provided. Printer's type-size markup is normalized; marginal notes are kept as asides. Billingsley's separate address is omitted. Uncertain readings are marked.
Thus the mathematical mind can deal speculatively in its own art, and by good means climb above the clouds and stars. And thirdly, it can, in order, descend, to shape natural things for wonderful uses, and when it wishes return home to its own center, and there prepare more means to ascend or descend by, all to the glory of God and our honest delight on earth.
Although the printer has waited for this preface a day or two, I could not take my pen from the paper before I had given you encouraging word and brief instructions on some of the benefits that can be reaped by statics. In the rest I will therefore be as brief as possible, and at the same time describe them somewhat to match. And you will see this in what comes next in order. For although it is so ample and wonderful that one could find fruitful matter in it to speak of for a whole year, and in practice is a treasure without end, yet I will glance over it with very few words.
About this section
Statics, 3 is part of The Mathematicall Praeface to the Elements of Geometrie by John Dee. This page sets the 16th-century English original beside 2 direct-source translations, so any line can be checked against the source. It is part 19 of 34 in the work, which is kept in the European tradition.
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