ilV INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
In the prefent fo diftinguifhed sera, of improvement in the 
Arts, when all Europe is awake to the refined enjoyments de- 
rived from works of Tafte ; the refearches of Science are 
every day purfued with encreafing relfth, and the fruits of 
thefe engaging ftudies come forth to view in a luftre un- 
known to former ages. 
While the high pleafure of inveftigating the (economy of 
Nature, in her more wonderful and hidden paths, joined 
to that of contemplating thofe augufi and beautiful fcenes 
which adorn the more open theatre of Creation, are confti- 
tuted forne of the fuperior amufements of polifhed life ; the 
unravelling of the annals of the more obfcure periods of early 
ages, and tracing out thofe circumfiances that relate to the 
firft improvements of Society, in Science, in Religion, and in 
Manners, feeni equally interefting to numbers : while all 
confpire to furnifh out the profound and elevating entertain- 
ments of Genius and Philofophic enquiry: — The Arts that 
favour thefe flourifh, under the protection of the moft Emi- 
nent Characters of the British Nation : — to Them this 
Work is addrefied, as at their inftance it has been carried on, 
By their moft obedient 
humble Servants, 
CHARLES CORDINER, 
July i, 1788. and 
PETER MAZELL. 
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