Chap. XVIL] Hhtoiij. 3.>9 



of the Fine Arts, by the abbe Winckehiiann, iiiul 

 others. 



The plan of publishing large Collcction.s (>f Smtc 

 Papers, for historical purposes, though couceivcd, 

 and in some degree executed, before the com- 

 mencement of the eighteenth century, yet preemi- 

 nently belongs to this period. Never, certainly, 

 were collections of this kind so numerous, exten- 

 sive, and rich, or so useful to the liistorian, 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. 

 Ebenezer 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 diiferent forms, which mo- 

 dern ingenuity has framed. These, it is believed, 

 were first brought into Great Britain from the con- 

 tinent of Europe f- Among the first presented to 



* See Historical Cullrdions, kc. by Ebenezer Hazard, A. M. 

 2 vols, 4to, 1792 and 1/94. 



t The first Chart of llistury was published, it is believed, in 

 I'rance, about the year 1 760, by the abbe Langlct du Fre^noy. 

 A few years afterwards, a similar work, taken from du Fresnoy's, 

 but much improved, was published in England. Dr. Priestley's 

 JSle-w Chart of History was the third attempt of the kind ; and is, 

 doubtless, superior to all preceding works of a siiniiar nature. 



