This Edition (being printed on a small type) is not abridged in the least degree, but contains all the additions and improvements; in short, every line as much as the large odavo Edition, that fells at 5s. 6d. in boards.

-I.

TO THE PUBLIC.

In things indiff'rent Reafon bids us chuse,
Whether the whim's a monkey or a Mufe.

CHURCHILL

WORTHY PATRONS,

W

ERE I to addrefs you in the accustomed declamatory strain which has long been adopted as the univerfal language of dedications, viz. FLATTERY, I fhould not only merit your contempt, for thus endeavouring to impofe upon your understandings, but also render myself ridiculously confpicuous, by a feeble attempt to perform that, for which, as well by nature, as long established habit, I am totally difqualified.

On the other hand, I fhould efteem myfelf equally meriting your cenfure, as being guilty of a flagrant fpecies of ingratitude, were I to omit availing myfelf of fo favourable an opportunity as now prefents itfelf of expreffing the refpect and veneration I entertain for you, refulting from the very extenfive and ample encouragement with which you have crowned my indefatigable exertions to obtain your patronage, by largely contributing to the diffufion of fcience and rational entertainment, on fuch moderate terms as were heretofore unknown.

Permit me to indulge the pleafing hope, that, when I affert my mind is deeply impreffed with the moft grateful fenfe of the obligation, I fhall be honoured with credit. If this opinion be well founded, to enlarge on the subject were fuperfluous--if otherwie, the frongest argument, the moft fplendid and

B

forcible language could convey, would not enfure conviction; I therefore delift, fully perfuaded that the most fatisfactory demonftration I can poffibly ex hibit of the fincerity of this declaration, will be, an inviolable adherence to that uniform line of conduct which has already fecured your approbation to a degree eminent as unprecedented, and which is indeed daily rendered more evident, by a progreffive increase in the number and extent of your commands; trufting, that fo long as you find my practice invariably correfpondent to thofe profeffions fo frequently exhibited to your notice (from which to deviate would render me unworthy your protection). you will, in defiance of all malignant oppofition, firmly perfevere in the liberal fupport of him whofe primary ambition it is, and during life shall be, to distinguish himself as,