iv 
comparative reviews of discussions on disputed points of 
philosophy, and the critical investigation of the state of science 
in this country and abroad, are new features in this section. 
The numerous “ Collections” in Geography, Natural History, 
and Natural Philosophy, printed in a small type, and always 
selected with the requisite attention to the combination of the 
pleasing with the instructive, form a basis in itself sufficient 
for the support of this Journal: And whilst, in the “ Original 
Papers,” the man of strict science will find that we have 
catered for his taste, in the “ Collections” we have thought of 
our friends who require more popular information. 
The “ Catalogue Raisonné,” a new attempt in the periodical 
literature of this country, is necessarily imperfect, from the 
confined space to which it has been restricted ; but the Editors 
are so firmly impressed with a conviction of its importance, as 
an analytical record of the contents of books and papers in the 
scientific periodicals throughout Europe, that they purpose, in, 
a short time, to print, independently of their Journal, a monthly 
sheet or more under this title. 
It only remains for us to direct the attention of our readers 
to the successful means we have taken to procure the earliest 
continental information; which, not to be invidious, may be 
ascertained by observing the translations which appear in other 
periodicals, months after they have found a suitable place in our 
“¢ Collections.” 
The illustrations, for the drawings of which we are indebted 
to several friends, are, we do not hesitate to say, in point of 
execution and colouring, superior to those of any publication 
of the same price; and though we did not originally pledge 
ourselves that every Number should be accompanied with 
engravings, we are gratified at having been enabled to exceed 
our promise, by presenting eleven plates in our first six Num- 
bers, though at a great additional cost. 
The only claim we prefer to the indulgence of our subscribers, 
is in behalf of the list of errata; but those who are acquainted 
with the hurry and anxiety attendant upon a monthly publica- 
tion, will readily overlook these little blemishes. And, with 
respect to ourselves, it is a grateful recompense for our toil, to 
see that our labours have been appreciated, in the unexpected 
success which has attended the publication of our first volume. 
11, GARDNER’s CRESCENT, EDINBURGH, 
March, 1830. 
