Arber's translation, made from the second (Augsburg) edition of 1485. They have been placed in parallel columns to show how closely the English preface follows that of the German Herbarius. Preface to the _Herbarius zu Teutsch_. "Many a time and oft have I contemplated inwardly the wondrous works of the creator of the universe: how in the beginning He formed the heavens and adorned them with goodly shining stars, to which he gave power and might to influence everything under heaven. Also how he afterwards formed the four elements: fire, hot and dry--air, hot and moist--water, cold and moist--earth, dry and cold--and gave to each a nature of its own; and how after this the same Great Master of Nature made and formed herbs of many sorts and animals of all kinds and last of all Man, the noblest of all created things. Thereupon I thought on the wondrous order which the Creator gave these same creatures of His, so that everything which has its being under heaven receives it from the stars and keeps it by their help. I considered further how that in everything which arises, grows, lives or soars in the four elements named, be it metal, stone, herb or animal, the four natures of the elements, heat, cold, moistness and dryness, are mingled. It is also to be noted that the four natures in question are also mixed and blended in the human body in a measure and temperament suitable to the life and nature of man; while man keeps within this measure ... he is strong and healthy, but as soon as he steps or falls beyond ... which happens when heat takes the upper hand and strives to stifle cold or on the contrary when cold begins to suppress heat ... he falls of necessity into sickness and draws nigh unto death. ... Of a truth I would as soon count the leaves on the trees or the grains of sand in the sea as the things which are the causes of man's sickness. It is for this reason that so many thousands and thousands of perils and dangers beset man. He is not fully sure of his health or his life for one moment. While considering these matters, I also remembered how the Creator of Nature, who has placed us amid such dangers has mercifully provided us with a remedy, that is with all kinds of herbs, animals and other created things.... By virtue of these herbs and created things the sick man may recover the temperament of the four elements and the health of his body. Since then man can have no greater nor nobler treasure on earth than bodily health, I came to the conclusion that I could not perform any more useful and holy work than to compile a book in which could be contained the virtue and nature of many herbs and other created things, together with their true colours and