GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 117 



but because their authors may not have under- 

 stood practically what they treated of, is no 

 reason why I should be the less sensible of the 

 obligations I am under to them. Yet, it may be 

 said, these works are mostly produced from 

 ancient writings, as the substance of most of them 

 was known and treated of by our forefathers : 

 but ought this to be allowed to depreciate the 

 merit of their labours? Would the practical 

 man, I would ask, give himself the trouble to 

 search after these ancient works, did he know of 

 their existence, putting out of the question the 

 expense he would be at, (as most books, after a 

 certain date, become scarce, and are then much 

 enhanced in value,) and would he, when their 

 attainment was accomplished, find himself com- 

 petent to suggest the improvements made by 

 most modern authors ? I will (speaking col- 

 lectively) fearlessly answer with regard to the 

 first, he would not be at the trouble ; and with 

 the second, he would be fully sensible of the 

 wide difference between imaginary and actual 

 powers of improving. Thus might we proceed 

 in the jog-trot pace of antiquity, were it not for 



