148 Bibliography. 
labor and research ; a new and studied contribution to English —— 
raphy. The original work of Dr. Webster is justly regarded as a 
pendous monument of industry and erudition. Its superior merits fon 
been recognized by those best qualified to judge, on both sides of the 
Atlantic. Yet no one man in the brief space of one man’s life could 
give perfection to a work like this, embracing such a vast variety and 
multiplicity of subjects. And were it otherwise, could a perfect dic- 
ing 
know] , would very soon render it imperfect, and call for additions 
and re to make it se 99 with the actual condition of the 
language. It was no injury, then, to Dr. Webster’s fame, when the en- 
eetpriaing publishers of ca Dictionary, intending to issue a stereotype 
edition in a single volume, resolved on subjecting the work toa thorough 
and complete revision. Professor Goodrich, the gentleman whom t 
fixed upon as Editor, is a member of Dr. Webster's family ; and thus by 
circumstances as well as by abilities and learning, eminently qualified 
for the task committed to his hands. His name alone is a sufficient 
guaranty for the excellence of a work to which he has: devoted nS 
three laborious years. 
In executing this revision, art and science in their various departments 
have been treated with particular care. It has been the aim of the Ed- 
itor to secure at once completeness and correctness. He has made con- 
stant use not only of the general Encyclopedias, but also of the best 
~~ Lexicons and the ablest systematic treatises in each department: 
hose which have been principally relied on are mentioned in his Pre- 
— But he has not been satisfied with this. Sensible that no man 
n be accurate on subjects which he has not. studied specially and 
Sooviesbie, he has obtained the aid of — whem gentlemen, 
each in his own field of labor. ‘These a med in his Preface, 
have severally rendered. Intent on profiting as far as possible by the 
information and experience of others, Professor Goodrich has made fre- 
rect not a few mistakes sabi h had soo ito books, and nioghaneaee 
sive copying become extensively prevalen 
But the attention of the Editor has ot no means been amend 
technical and scientific terms. The wants of the general reader have 
been every where considered. Much has been done to illustrate the 
older English classics, Spenser, Bacon, Milton, d&c., but y 
Shakspeare, many of whose peculiar phrases and idioms:will ses ad 
here very happily explained. iy 
Many words of recent origin have orig ase been inserted, meee 
nthe 
which growing out of the special conditio 
our own time, have assumed a permanent place in our literature, and 
may rightfully demand admission into a general dictionary. ee 
~ Nor has the language of common life been overlooked. - 
ons r n finding their a into books, to. Po 
of readers EI te i ith their meaning. ol it o : 
