John Napier (1550-1617)

                   TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY

       WILLIAM THE FOURTH,

                   KING OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND,

                                      &c. &c. &c.

SIR,

BY your Majesty’s most gracious permission, I have the
honour to present to your Majesty the Domestic History of the
Inventor of Logarithms. That his invention was the greatest boon
genius could bestow upon a Maritime Empire is a truth universally
felt, and which no person is better qualified to appreciate than your
Majesty. It is a proud reflection for Britain, that she does not owe
to a stranger the creation of that intellectual aid which renders your
Majesty's Fleets as free and fearless in Navigation as they have ever
been in Battle.

To such considerations alone am I entitled to attribute your Ma-
jesty’s condescension in accepting of this work.

I have the honour to remain,

Your Majesty’s humble and devoted

Subject and Servant,

MARK NAPIER.