This excerpt is presented as reproduced by Copernicus in the preface to De Revolutionibus: "Some think that the earth remains at rest. But Philolaus the Pythagorean believes that, like the sun and moon, it revolves around the fire in an oblique circle. Heraclides of Pontus and Ecphantus the Pythagorean make the earth move, not in a progressive motion, but like a wheel in rotation from west to east around its own center."

No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune.

We ought not to treat living creatures like shoes or household belongings, which when worn with use we throw away.

Democritus said, words are but the shadows of actions.

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

When men are arrived at the goal, they should not turn back.

As bees extract honey from thyme, the strongest and driest of herbs, so sensible men often get advantage and profit from the most awkward circumstances.