Recapitulation. 299 



tomes ^, synopses, and selections, which are daily 

 pouring from the press in countless numbers, and 

 which make so large a part of modern publica- 

 tions, have a tendency to divert the mind from 

 the treasures of ancient knowledge, and from the 

 volumes of original authors f. Tluis the multi- 

 plicity of new publications, v/hile they would 

 seem at first view highly favourable to the acqui- 

 sition of learning, are found, as w ill be afterward 

 more fully shown, hostile to deep and sound eru- 

 dition. 



The allurements to authorship which the mo- 

 dern state of literature holds out also lead to ano- 

 ther evil, viz. the hasty production of books. The 

 nonum prematur in annum of former times has 

 been too generally disregarded or forgotten by 

 late writers. Authors, instead of holding their 

 ^vorks under the polishing hand of criticism for 

 many years, are now tempted prematurely to 

 hasten before the pul)lic. AVe have lately heard 

 of an epic poem, nearly as long as the Paradise 

 'J.osf. composed in six weeks ! and of writers on 

 the most important and difficult subjects running 

 a race Avith the press. The mischiefs arising from 

 isuch rapidity of composition are many and great. 

 Writers of the most exalted genius and extensive 



* " Epitomes are the moths and corruptions of historj"-, that 

 have fretted and corroded the sound bodies of many excellent hif- 

 tflries, and wrought them into base and unprofitable dregs.''::—. 

 Bacon. 



, f " It is observed," says Dr. Johnson, " thit a corrupt societi/ 

 ,^has many laws ; I know not whether it Is not equally true, that 

 , an ignorant age lias manj/ books. When compilers and plagiaries 

 arc encouraged, the treasures of ancient knowledge will lie un- 

 examined, aud original authors will be neglected and forgotten." 



