PREFACE 
ALTHOUGH so wholly original in its plan, 
the Annual now submitted to the Public 
demands less, perhaps, of explanatory intro- 
duction, than any of those which have 
hitherto appeared. Where the object is ex- 
clusively to amuse, it may be requisite to 
elaborate the invitation to particular sources 
of pleasure, since we have, all of us, derived 
certain unchangeable prejudices on the score 
of enjoyment ; but where instruction is pre- 
sented to the mind under an agreeable form, 
we immediately perceive a utility, which ap- 
peals to our understanding, and induces our 
scrutiny. 
It is not, however, the reasoning faculties 
alone that are concerned in the Science which 
this little work is intended gradually to elu- 
‘cidate for the benefit of the young; the 
