PREFACE. 



JL-T has been for a considerable time allowed 

 by the majority of intelligent persons, that 

 amongst a variety of studies there are none 

 of greater utility, or that afford more real 

 pleasure to a rational mind, than those on 

 Philosophical Subjects. On mature delibe- 

 ration it may be concluded, that this does 

 not so much arise from any intrinsic value of 

 Natural Philosophy, solely considered, as 

 from the peculiar use to which it may be 

 applied, and without which it hardly merits 

 the name it has obtained : and this is no 

 other, than regulating by it our observa- 

 tions upon the numerous objects of the 

 creation, whereby we may correct any erro- 

 neous notions which we may have hitherto 

 encouraged, either concerning them, or the 



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