Vlil PREFACE 



for tlie service of a future volume. In the meantime tlie 

 production of the present book was entrusted to my hands 

 at his express desire. A circumstance so honourable to 

 myself and so well fitted to inspire an initial confidence 

 in my readers, it would, I think, be false modesty to con- 

 ceal. My best thanks are due to Dr. Woodward for his 

 friendly and favourable opinion of my capacity ; they will 

 be best paid if my performance has succeeded in de- 

 serving it. 



THOMAS R. II. STEBBTX(i 



TuNBRiDGE Wells, 



February 17, 1892. 



