PREFACE. 



It is now within a few months of a quarter of a cen- 

 tury since this work wa^ commenced ; a period rich 

 in scientific discoveries, the records of which will be 

 referred to with deep interest by future generations. 



During this long period lio exertion has been 

 wanting on my part to render The Philosophical 

 Magazine and Journal worthy of the flattering re- 

 ception it has experienced, not only at home, but 

 throughout the civilized world. That the work is a 

 perfect one, it would ill become me to assert ; but I 

 believe that, without vanity, I may say, that with all 

 its defects, whatever these may be, it has tended not 

 a little to diffuse a love of science and the liberal arts 

 among the present generation. 



1 beg to return unfeigned thanks to my numerous 

 friends for the aids they have afforded mc in conduct- 

 ing the work, and rendering my miscellany really use- 

 ful to the world; and have now to announce, that to 

 render this work still more worthy of the patronage 



