4 PREFACE. 



narrative, the dry facts previously noted. Reaching the 

 end of the hi>tory, the treatment pauses for retrospect 

 and reflection ; and here are brought to view some of the 

 higher and more abstruse thoughts connected with the 

 subject of the book. 



It is hoped the perusal of this work may impart some 

 clear conceptions of that grand range of scientific truths 

 with which it deals. It is hoped, also, that a relish may 

 be stimulated which will seek its gratification in the 

 scholarly study of works of higher range and more 

 exacting method. 



THE AUTHOR. 

 ABBOR, March, 1886. 



