# To the Most Illustrious Senators of the Republic of Bologna

Bartolomeo Ambrosini

Never could I, Most Illustrious Senators, among those many proofs of your kindness and generosity with which you daily favor your citizens—and especially your ministers—consider it a minor thing that you appointed me, the least skilled of all, as the *thaumatophylakin*, or guardian of wonders, of your Museum. Furthermore, you have entrusted me with the responsibility of organizing and completing so many significant works. Having set out to perform this duty with all my might, it is not the moment to recount the vigilant study and diligence I have devoted to this "harvest," laboring day and night. The truth is, I could never expend enough effort from my own modest strength on this work to truly match the kindness that such distinguished Fathers deserve. Yet, my spirit is heartened again and again by this famous verse:

I will say only this: the day before yesterday, while I was occupied in your Museum, gazing upon the vast ocean of the History of all living creatures, many