History. 1 17 



nently belongs to this period. Never, certainly, 

 were collections of this kind so numerous, exten- 

 sive, and rich, or so useful to the historian, as 

 during the last age. They were so numerous, in- 

 deed, that no attempt can be made here to recount 

 even the most voluminous and remarkable which 

 were compiled in various parts of Europe. The 

 most curious and valuable Collection of this kind 

 that has been made in America, is that by Mr. 

 Ehenezer Hazard, of Philadelphia, who, for 

 his useful labours, is entitled to the thanks of every 

 one who wishes to become acquainted with Ame- 

 rican history/ 



Among the various contrivances to facilitate the 

 acquisition of historical knowledge, to which the 

 age in question gave birth, may be mentioned the 

 Charts of History, in different forms, which mo- 

 dern ingenuity has framed. These, it is believed, 

 were first brought into Great-Britain from the con- 

 tinent of Europe. Among the first presented to 

 the British public were those invented and deline- 

 ated by Dr. Priestley, with whose indefatigable 

 labours we meet in almost every department of li- 

 terature and science. The Lectures on History, by 

 the same gentleman, may be considered, on the 

 whole, as one of the most able and useful works 

 produced by its author; and indeed as among the 

 best and most satisfactory views of that subject 

 which the age furnished. 



The eighteenth century not only gave birth to 

 many original productions of the historical kind, 

 but also to many very valuable translations of 

 the works of ancient historians. This exhibi- 

 tion of the well-constructed and elegant produc- 

 tions of antiquity in modern dress, while it de- 



h See Historical Collections , 5cc. by Ebenizzcr HAZARD, A. M. 2 vols. 

 4to. 179a and 1794. 



