II PREFACE. 



A few years have only elapsed, since not less than six 

 Scientific Journals, were published in Great Britain ; 

 these have now dwindled into two, one of which, is 

 published monthly in London, and the other quarterly, in 

 Edinburgh. 



The pages of the former, are chiefly devoted to original 

 communications, while the latter, is principally conspicu- 

 ous for its details of Natural History. There seems, 

 therefore, to be required a separate periodical, which may 

 afford intelligence not only of what is transacting at home, 

 in reference to a more extended field of Science, but like- 

 wise of the researches of those, who are labouring in the 

 same great cause abroad. With this object in view, the 

 Records of General Science has been projected ; and with- 

 out detaining our readers, it is only necessary to state, 

 that as utility is the great principle to be followed in con- 

 ducting it, no pains shall be spared on the Editor's part, 

 in endeavouring to collect all important new facts, which 

 may be ascertained both at home and abroad — more espe- 

 cially, in the Sciences of Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, 

 Natural History, Physics, and the Arts. The powerful 

 assistance, of the Editor's relation, Dr. Thomson, of 

 Glasgow, whose great knowledge and experience, in con- 

 ducting the Annals of Philosophy, one of the most efficient 

 Journals, of this, or any other country, under his manage- 

 ment are well known, cannot fail to be considered as a 

 high recommendation. And it is hoped, from the favour- 

 able manner in which the project has been received, by 

 many distinguished cultivators of Science, that general 

 support may be extended to the publication, in order that 

 the Editor may be enabled to afford sufficient time for 

 such an arduous undertaking. 



