PREPACK. 



J. HE experience of more than a century has eminently 

 proved the advantages of such works as exhibit, under 

 an alphabetical arrangement, the complete circle of human 

 knowledge. Dictionaries of language, of general terms. 

 and of particular branches of science and art, have been 

 multiplied by the labours of men fully qualified to display 

 the subjects they have undertaken to discuss ; and the 

 iirst characters in the various nations of Europe have 

 been proud to rank their names and unite their exertions 

 in the production of immense works, containing every 

 subject which can engage the intellectual research or ac- 

 tive occupation of man. The order of the alphabet has 

 been so skilfully combined with that order which is in- 

 dicated by the natural relations of the materials, that 

 works of this description have been received with the 

 most striking approbation ; and, notwithstanding the 

 i;ivat labour and expense required to keep pace with 

 the rapid improvements and discoveries of modem times. 

 the number of Dictionaries of all descriptions have been 

 so great, that it would be difficult, and perhaps useless. 

 even to name them, and point out their respective merits. 

 From the great Encyclopedia*, each of which may be 

 said to constitute an entire library , to those smaller com- 

 positions intended for mere reference : from the hurried 

 compilations of book-makers to those elaborate and lu- 

 minous works iu which men of the highest reputation 



