The History of the Royal Society of London/Epistle Dedicatory
TO THE
KING.
Sir,
F all the Kings of Europe, Your Majesty was the first, who confirm'd this noble Design of Experiments, by Your own Example, and by a publick Establishment. An Enterprize equal to the most renown'd Actions of the best Princes. For, to increase the Powers of all Mankind, and to free them from the Bondage of Errors, is greater Glory than to enlarge Empire, or to put Chains on the Necks of Conquer'd Nations.
What Reverence all Antiquity had for the Authors of natural Discoveries, is evident by the diviner Sort of Honour they conferr'd on them. Their Founders of philosophical Opinions were only admir'd by their own Sects: Their valiant Men and Generals did seldom rise higher than to Demy-Gods and Heroes: But the Gods they worshipped with Temples and Altars, were those who instructed the World to plow, to sow, to plant, to spin, to build Houses, and to find out new Countries. This Zeal indeed, by which they express'd their Gratitude to such Benefactors, degenerated into Superstition: yet has it taught us, that a higher Degree of Reputation is due to Discoverers, than to the Teachers of speculative Doctrines, nay even to Conquerors themselves.
Nor has the true God himself omitted to shew his Value of Vulgar Arts. In the whole History of the first Monarchs of the World, from Adam to Noah, there is no mention of their Wars, or their Victories: All that is recorded is this, they liv'd so many Years, and taught their Posterity to keep Sheep, to till the Ground, to plant Vineyards, to dwell in Tents, to build Cities, to play on the Harp and Organs, and to work in Brass and Iron. And if they deserv'd a Sacred Remembrance, for one natural or mechanical Invention, Your Majesty will certainly obtain immortal Fame, for having established a perpetual Succession of Inventors.
I am
May it please Your Majesty,
Your Majesty's most humble,
and most obedient