g INTRODUCTION. 



which would become a philosophic inquirer ; are, 

 at present, out of the question. Had the writer 

 temefity enough to engage in such a plan, or the 

 presumption to assume so high a character, the 

 variety and immensity of the task would soon 

 convince him of his error. The most brief and 

 rapid sketches only will, therefore, be attempted, 

 on each of the above heads of inquiry. 



