vancins in this a^e of science, and 



't? "* — " "»' 



as there are persons who are capa- 

 ble of making the proper investiga- 

 tion, I trust the time is at hand when 

 this subject will become the consider- 

 ation of men who may profit both 

 themselves and the public thereby. 

 With a view to excite their atten- 

 tion to the subject, I have ventured 

 to publish the following history of a 

 few of different kinds. At the same 

 time I am aware of its imperfections, 

 but nevertheless, should the neces- 

 sary corrections it requires stimulate 

 others, who from their avocations 

 have better opportunities than my- 

 self, to pursue this subject in a similar 

 way, I shall have obtained my end, 

 and I trust with such motives I shall 

 stand excused in thus having at- 

 tempted a subject which could have 



