THE NEW AMERICAN CYCLOPEDIA. 



DISTINGUISHING EXCELLENCES. 



"While we prefer that the work should speak for itself, and 

 that others should herald its excellences, we cannot refrain 

 from calling attention to the following points, in which we 

 take an honest pride in believing that the New American 

 Cyclopaadia surpasses all others : — 



I. In Accueacy axd Feeshxess of Infoemation. — The 

 value of a work of this kind is exactly proportioned to its cor- 

 rectness. It must preclude the necessity of having other 

 books. Its decision must be final. It must be an ultimatum 

 of reference, or it is good for nothing. 



II. In Impaetiality. — Our work has undergone the exam- 

 ination of Argus eyes. It has stood the ordeal. It is pro- 

 nounced by distinguished men and leading reviews in all parts 

 of the Union, strictly fair and national. Eschewing all expres- 

 sions of opinion on controverted points of science, philosophy, 

 religion, and politics, it aims at an accurate representation of 

 facts and institutions, of the results of jjhysical research, of the 

 prominent events in the history of the world, of the most sig- 

 nificant productions of literature and art, and of the celebrated 

 individuals whose names have become associated with the 

 conspicuous phenomena of their age — doing justice to all men, 

 all creeds, all sections. 



III. In Completeness. — It treats of every subject, in a terse 

 and condensed style, but fully and exhaustively. It is believed 

 that but few omissions will be found ; but whatever topics may, 

 through any oversight, be wanting, are supplied in an Appendix. 



lY. In Ameeican Ohaeactee. — The New Cyclopaedia is 

 intended to meet the intellectual wants of the American people. 

 Itis not, therefore, modelled after European works of a similar 

 design ; but, while it embraces all their excellences, has added 

 to them a peculiar and unmistakable American character. It 

 is the production mainly of American mind. 



V. In Peactical Beaeing. — The day of philosophical ab- 

 straction and specu\ation has passed away. This is an age of 

 action. Cid hono is the universal touchstone. Feeling this, we 

 have made our Cyclopaedia thoroughly practical. No man of 

 action, be his sphere humble or exalted,can afibrd to do without it. 



