Æmulating

"[…] Whereby that noble science of physicke is made absolute as having recovered yᵉ facultie of Simpling a principall and materiall part thereof, wherefore not doubting of your readines in imitating or æmulating the best in so laudable actions I thought yt good to moove you herin & to commend this bearer Ihon Gerard a servant of mine vnto you : who by reason of his travaile into farre countries, his great practise & long experience is throughly acquainted with the generall & speciall differences, names, properties & privie markes of thousands of plants & trees."