• [ * ] 



flattering, due care to preferve a reputation 

 for ufefulnefs became a new incentive to de- 

 liberation and the proper choice of mate- 

 rials. Of this deliberation and care, it is 

 hoped the prefent volume will furnifh fome 

 evidence. 



The caution which has been ufed, has 

 given time for remarking the different opi- 

 nions that have been imparted, by particular 

 gentlemen on the general fubjedt of publica- 

 tion ; and it may not be improper here to 

 acquaint the public, that though this Society 

 can never wifh to withhold thofe articles of 

 pra&ical communication which it is its plan 

 to encourage ', yet the importance of publijhing 

 well appears too great to be hazarded by any 

 arbitrary adherence to ftated periods. 



On a work like this, written by a variety 

 of hands, and on an almoft equal variety of 

 fubjedts, every man, who in connexion there- 

 with confiders the fallibility of human (kill, 

 and the varied complexion of the human 

 b 2 mind, 



