10 PREFACE. 



It was therefore only justice to Mr. Carpenter, to re-publish 

 his own revision of this Book. This has been done, with a few 

 alterations and additions, which it is hoped will render it not 

 less acceptable and useful to readers among us. The work is 

 intended to be a plain and simple account of the subject of 

 which it treats, to be illustrated with numerous engravings, in 

 a manner suited to the comprehension of those, who have little 

 or no acquaintance with Classical or Scientific Learning. 



The English Editors arid Reviewers speak in the highest 

 terms ofthe indefatigable industry displayed in Mr. Carpenter's 

 volume. But we cannot withhold our regret that they, who 

 have noticed with so much approbation the result of his labors, 

 should have unconsciously awarded credit, that takes from an- 

 other his due. 



We cannot but regard the course pursued by Mr. Carpen- 

 ter as very extraordinary and very unjust. And we respect- 

 fully invite his English friends and ours, to compare his vol- 

 ume, with the work of our distinguished countryman, the Rev. 

 Dr. Harris. 



In 1793, Dr. H. published his first 'Natural History ofthe 

 Bible,' which met in this country and in Europe the honorable 

 and flattering reception it deserved. 



Twenty-seven years afterwards, in 1820, he published a 

 second volume under the same title. He says in the preface 

 of this, ' I kept on my table, an interleaved copy, (of his 

 first work) and in the course of my reading, transferred to it, 

 the additional information, which I collected. Desirous of 

 pursuing the investigation still farther, I procured, with con- 

 siderable expense, many valuable books, which I had not, be- 

 fore, the opportunity of consulting. In fine, I have re-exam- 

 ined every article, with better knowledge and greater care ; 

 have transcribed and new-modelled the whole, and made such 

 amendments and additions throughout, as rerider this rather 

 a new work, than a new edition ; and to its completion and 

 perfection, the studies and acquisitions of more than twenty- 

 five years have contributed. 



' I have endeavored to substantiate every article, which I 

 have introduced, by proofs stated with all possible clearness, 

 and to illustrate it by criticisms and explanations; yet I lay 

 claim to no praise, but that of having brought into a regular 

 form, such information as I could collect, from the best and 

 most unexceptionable sources. In the most unrestrained terms 

 I acknowledge that I have borrowed from all authors of es" 

 tabjished reputation, with freedom, 



