V.I 



PREFACE. 



'T^HE Cyclop/Edia, which has been the production of the incessant labour 

 ot'ahiiost twenty years, is now completed, very much to the relief of 

 the Editor's mind, and, aa he hopes, to the satisfaction of the Public. To 

 the candid judgment of its numerous readers, the Editor submits the work, 

 assuring them, that, on his part, no pains have been wanting to render it 

 worthy of their approbation. If he had foreseen the time and attention 

 which the compilation and conduct of it required, and the unavoidable 

 anxiety which it has occasioned, he would pi'obably never have undertaken 

 it. But habits of application, and some degree of experience in a work of 

 this nature, disposed him to embark in it, and enabled him to overcome 

 the difficulties that presented themselves to his view in his further progress. 

 He hopes that he may be allowed to say, that an early and long-continued 

 attachment to scientific pursuits, and a desire of serving the cause of 

 Literature and Science, had no inconsiderable influence in directing his 

 views to this object, and encouraging his perseverance in the accomplish- 

 ment of it. He ought also to acknowledge, that the candour with which 

 his labours, on this as well as on a former similar occasion, were received 

 by the Public, and the expressions of approbation with which they were 

 hoiioured in the course of sixteen years, afforded a very powerful induce- 

 ment to unremitting assiduity and exertion. The Proprietors also, who 

 had undertaken this work without any patronage besides that of the 

 Public, and who were advancing large sums towards rendering it worthy of 

 that patronage, were liberal in their co-operation, and in enabling the 

 Editor to procfure every kind of assistance, which he might find to be 

 necessary and useful. They employed artists of the first reputation in 

 their respective departments, whose performances have given a peculiar cha- 

 racter to this work. The Proprietors and Editor were likewise honoured by 

 connection and acquaintance with persons, eminently distinguished in those 

 branches of science to which they had devoted their talents; and these per- 

 sons not only consented to be co-adjutors, but to give celebrity to the work 

 by allowing their names to be annexed to it, whilst they were enhancing its 

 importance and value by their contributions. Although the Editor cannot 

 decline availing himself of the reputation which the Cyclopaedia must 

 acquire from the established and well-known character of his associates. 



