FIRST EDITION. 1* 



mineral waters, and of the general properties of that 

 fluid, occupy the next department of the work. 



From thefe fubje&s I have proceeded to what is 

 called the vegetable "kingdom, including what is known 

 on the nature and theory of vegetation. The animal 

 economy fucceeds ; and that as little as poffible might 

 be wanting to complete the courfe of elementary 

 knowledge, I have concluded by a (ketch of the human 

 mind. This latter part will connect properly with my 

 Eflays Hiflorical and Moral, published fome years ago, 

 and which contain the great outlines of my fentiments 

 on moral and policical philofophy. 



As it was my defirc to make this treatife as plain 

 and clear as poffible to unlearned perfons, I have to 

 apologize to my more fcientific readers for the occa- 

 fional repetition of the fame principles and obfervations. 

 Having been, in forne meafure, all my life engaged in 

 the bufmefs of educations I have feen the neceffiry of 

 frequently recalling the attention of young perfons to 

 principles already proved and eftabliihed, in order to 

 enable them to underftand what is to be taught. In 

 giving the hiftory of different fciences alfo, many fac~ts> 

 . and obfervadons are naturally anticipated j and yet it 

 becomes abfolutely neceffery to confirm, illuftrate, and 

 apply thefe in a more extenfive manner, in treating of 

 the fciences at large. 



If it is afked, for whofe ufe this work is defigned ? 

 I anfwer, for all whofe curioiity would lead them to 

 take a general furvey of nature for all, in particukr, 

 who wifh y to underftand the elements and principles of 

 natural hiftory. I conceive alfo, that it will not be 

 unufeful to the younger ftudcnts of medicine, fince it is 

 intended as an eafy introduction to general fcience ; and 

 fince it comprehends all the fjrft principles of chemiftry 

 and phyfiology. V/ith the more enlightened clafs of 

 female readers, I cannot but flatter myfelf that the 

 work will be favourably received, as I really had their 

 entertain! nent and information principally in view in 

 compiling it ; and they may depend upon it, that there 

 is not a fmgle expreflion in the whole that can rea- 

 fonably oiTcnd the mofl delicate and model! car. 



