( iv .) 



die great Bulk of Non-dercrlpts to the Examination and Determination of the 

 Curious. Some Perfon?, perhaps, may objedl torthe Prornifcuous AflemSlagG 

 of the various Subjefts here exhibited, and be ready to wifh that they had been 

 allotted in Order and Method, according to Genus znd Species ; and it muft 

 be confeffed, that fuch a Proceeding would have proved extremely fatlsfaclory 

 to every true Lover of Science. Such would have been highly pleafed to have 

 feen each Article named, and ftand In its proper Place. But however defirpble 

 fuch an Attainment might have been to a few Cognofcenti, it is very certain that 

 the Majority of the World are not Methodi/ls. They love Variety more than 

 Order, and woidd rather .purchafe Twenty different Species of Cones or Turbos 

 In One Lot, than the fame Number of High Adniircils or IP^entletraps. Yet to 

 gratify every Palate, Care has been taken, as much as polTible, to keep the 

 ■ Grand Clajj'cs-, and often the Genera together ; at leaft as far as Refpecl to S/zif, 

 Rarity^ or Beauty, would allow. And in this Dlfpofitlon, there are very few 

 Subjevi^s but will occur again and again ; fo that almoft every Perfon defirous oF 

 becoming a Purchafer, may have an Opportunity of fupplying his Wants. 

 Whereas, in a methodical Arrangement, it muft of Neceflity have frequently 

 happened, either tliat a Multitude of the fame Species muft be fold together in 

 One Lot, (which very few would chufe to purchafe) or each Individual of that 

 Species, muft be difpofed of fingly, or In Pairs ; which would have multiplied 

 the Nu liber of Lots to fuch a Degree as would extend the Sale to as many 

 Weeks, as It confifts at piefent of Days.. 



It Is hoped however, that the Man of Science will not be altogether difappolnted 

 in the prcfcnt Arrarigement oF the Catalogue ; for as much Pains and Care have 

 been taken to affix the proper claflical, or generally received Names, to as many 

 Articles as the Time and Abilities of the Compiler would allow:; it will be no 

 great Trouble For him to caft his Eye over each Day's Sale, as it occurs, and' 

 he will hardly Fail to meet in one or more of them, with the Subjefts he defires. 

 In Order therefore to his more ready Underftanding the various Articles re- 

 corded in the following Catalogue, it remains only to fubjoin an Explanation of 

 the References and Abbreviatioiis made UFe oF in it. 



R E F 



