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stone, were desirous of further progress, and of an introduction to more scientific or technical preceptors. In pursuing this plan he has had to attend to four paramount objects, namely, selection, method, condensation, and perspicuity. In the first of these he has always chiefly regarded utility; in the second, progressive illustration; and has done his utmost to reconcile the third and fourth; while, in order to promote them all, or at least the three last, he has subdivided the whole book into numbered placita, to which the corresponding numbers in the margin refer. The other references, it is hoped, will in general conduct the reader to the best sources of information, and, directly or indirectly, to satisfactory authorities; by help of which he may exercise his own judgment on every part of the text.

To several of his friends the Author is indebted for criticisms and suggestions, of which he has availed himself. Had these been as numerous as he wished, they might have enabled him to present his work to the public with some degree of confidence. At present he can only venture to hope that, if it be found in any degree useful, its inevitable defects will be pardoned.

Lincoln's-Inn Fields,
Easter Term 1828.

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