PREFACE TO THIS EDITION. 



The present edition of the Natural Theology of Dr. Paley was 

 undertaken with the view of making this admirable work more ex- 

 tensively useful than it could ever be under the form in which it has 

 been usually circulated. A great proportion of those who have read 

 it must have sensibly felt the disadvantage under which they labour 

 in comprehending the descriptions ; and of course the arguments of 

 the author, from the want of a knowledge of the subjects to which 

 they relate. No man could so well supply the want of this knowl- 

 edge, by clearness of statement and description, as Dr. Paley ; and it is 

 probable that few other writers would have made a book so intelligible, 

 which relates to subjects remote from common observation, without 

 the aid of plates and illustrations. Still it must be imperfectly com- 

 prehended in many important parts, except by those acquainted with 

 the sciences from which his illustrations are drawn. Enough it is 

 true may be understood by all, to carry them along with the argument, 

 and produce a general conviction of its truth. But the conceptions 

 even of professional readers would be much more clear, definite, and 

 satisfactory, were the description aided by visible representations. 



It was the original design of the publishers to have merely attached 

 the plates and references of Paxton, which have been published in 

 England and in this country in a separate volume, to the text of Dr. 

 Paley. It was, however, suggested to them that the value of their 

 edition might be increased by the addition of Notes, and they had made 

 arrangements for this purpose and were going on with the work, 

 when Mr. Paxton's edition of the Natural Theology fell into their 

 hands, containing, beside the plates, a considerable number of Notes. 

 From these Notes a selection has been made of such as seemed 

 most valuable and interesting. A number of Notes have also been 

 made up of quotations from the excellent treatise of Mr. Charles Bell 

 on Animal Mechanics, published in the Library of Useful Knowledge ; 

 a tract which cannot be too highly recommended to the perusal of 

 those who take pleasure in studying the indications of a wise and be- 

 nevolent Providence in the works of creation. 



A few additional Notes have also been subjoined, which have not 

 been before published. 



It seems to be supposed by some, that the progress made in science 

 since the writing of this work must have furnished ample materials 

 for valuable additions to it. It will readily appear, however, upon re- 



