Many other arts also there are which beautifie the minde of man: but of all other none do more garnishe and beautifie it, than those artes which are called Mathematicall. Unto the knowledge of which no man can attaine, without the perfect knowledge and instruction of the principles, groundes, and Elementes of Geometrie.

Mathematicall Praeface to the Elements of Geometrie of Euclid of, Megara, The Translator to the Reader