of the
principles, groundes, and Elementes of Geometrie. But perfectly
to be instructed in them, requireth diligent studie and reading
of olde auncient authors. Amongest which, none for a beginner is
to be preferred before the most auncient Philosopher _Euclide_
of _Megara_. For of all others he hath in a true methode and
iuste order, gathered together whatsoeuer any before him had of
these Elementes written: inuenting also and adding many thinges
of his owne: wherby he hath in due forme accomplished the arte:
first geuing definitions, principles, & groundes, wherof he
deduceth his Propositions or conclusions, in such wonderfull
wise, that that which goeth before, is of necessitie required to
the proufe of that which followeth. So that without the diligent
studie of _Euclides_ Elementes, it is impossible to attaine vnto
the perfecte knowledge of Geometrie, and consequently of any of
the other Mathematicall sciences. Wherefore considering the want
& lacke of such good authors hitherto in our Englishe tounge,
lamenting also the negligence, and lacke of zeale to their
countrey in those of our nation, to whom God hath geuen both
knowledge, & also abilitie to translate into our tounge, and
to publishe abroad such good authors, and bookes (the chiefe
instrumentes of all learninges): seing moreouer that many good
wittes both of gentlemen and of others of all degrees, much
desirous and studious of these artes, and seeking for them as
much as they can, sparing no paines, and yet frustrate of their
intent, by no meanes attaining to that which they seeke: I haue
for their sakes, with some charge & great trauaile, faithfully
translated into our vulgare tounge, & set abroad in Print, this
booke of _Euclide_. Whereunto I haue added easie and plaine
declarations and examples by figures, of the definitions. In
which booke also ye shall in due place finde manifolde
additions, Scholies, Annotations, and Inuentions: which I haue
gathered out of many of the most famous & chiefe Mathematiciens,
both of old time, and in our age: as by diligent reading it in
course, ye shall well perceaue. The fruite and gaine which I
require for these my paines and trauaile, shall be nothing els,
but onely that thou gentle reader, will gratefully accept the
same: and that thou mayest thereby receaue some profite: and
moreouer to excite and stirre vp others learned, to do the like,
& to take paines in that behalfe. By meanes wherof, our Englishe
tounge sh