Note 76 — HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.

Soon after the invention of the art of Printing, the works of Dioscorides, Theophrastus, and Pliny, were published in various forms, and Commentators swarmed like locusts. The eagerness with which this branch of knowledge was cultivated may be conceived, when it is stated that the Commentary of Matthiolus on Dioscorides, which was first printed in 1554, passed through seventeen editions, and that 32,000 copies had been sold before the year 1561; and he tells us in this work, that he received in its execution the assistance and reward of Emperors,—Kings,—Electors of the Roman Empire,—Arch-dukes,—Cardinals,—Bishops,—Dukes, and Princes, ‘which,’ says he, ‘gives greater credit to our labours than any thing that could be said.’ In very many cases, however, says Dr. Pultney, ‘this learned Commentator mistook the road to truth, and did but perplex the science he so industriously laboured to enlighten.’