VI 
PREFACE. 
wisdom which man alone is allowed to contemplate. 
Philosophers, both of antient and modern times, have 
endeavoured to show, that to study Nature is the most 
effectual way to produce in our minds a veneration 
for the omnipotent Creator. The more we investigate 
the wonders of his bounty, the more convinced we 
shall feel that it is our duty to explore and examine 
the treasures which are at present dormant. 
To the numerous friends who have honoured me 
with patronage and assistance in the present work I 
beg leave to offer my most grateful thank?.; and can 
only assure them that my abilities shall be most 
strenuously exerted to render the future volumes of it 
deserving the encouragement that has been given to 
the present one. 
With regard to the execution, the best criterion is, 
that the most perfect judges have thought it worthy 
of encouragement, and the enlightened assistance it 
has received will be readily discerned by the true 
critic. 
