VUl 



PREFACE. 



introduce biography, as well as geography, topography, and history, upon a 

 lartrer scale than the Proprietors and Editor had at first intended, principally 

 in compliance with the wishes of intelligent and esteemed subscribers, the 

 enlargement of it became indispensable. To his co-adjutors, whose assist- 

 ance was hiohly important, the Editor could not presume to prescribe 

 limits, which would have depreciated the value of the articles which they 

 contributed, and within which, for their own reputation, they would not 

 lia\ e consented to be confined, and of course the work would have been 

 deprived of the benefit of their contributions. This circumstance could not 

 fail to occasion an enlargement of the Cyclopaedia ; but it was propor- 

 tionably enhanced in value ; and the Editor is satisfied, that the purchasers 

 will not ultimately regret the augmentation of expence. The plates like- 

 wise have been multiplied far beyond the original intention of the Pro- 

 prietors, because new and unthought-of subjects were introduced in the 

 progress of the work ; but as these plates constitute a character of excel- 

 lence peculiar to this Cyclopaedia, it is thought that the circumstance of 

 their beino; additional embellishments of the work, besides that of their 

 being indispensable as explanatory of the articles to which they refer, will 

 be a sufficient apology for the increase of their number ; more especially 

 when it is considered, that the augmented number of plates, as well as the 

 enlargement of the work, have occasioned a diminution of profit to the 

 Proprietors. It would have been more their interest, as well as more 

 gratifying to the Editor, to have compiled a Cyclopeedia in fewer volumes, 

 and to have contented themselves with a smaller number of plates ; as in 

 all probability the sale would have been greater, and the sum of money 

 expended upon it would of course have been much less. The Editor must 

 do the booksellers concerned in this Cyclopaedia the justice to say, that 

 they have consented to forego part of the possible profit that might have 

 accrued from it for the sake of its reputation and utility. 



