I DID not intend to put a Preface to this Work; but, now that it is finished, I find so many things in it which stand in need of the reader's indulgence, that I think it well, at the entrance, to warn him of them, and to bespeak his patience.
The first half of the book was written under the disadvantage of frequent interruptions, which I am sensible have very often broken the thread of thought and interest; and with regard to the entire work, it has happened, chiefly I confess from my own fault, that every sheet was printed as soon as it was written, so that I never saw it, nor could judge of it, as a whole, until the last sheet came from the press.
From these causes have proceeded defects in the arrangement, and frequent repetitions, besides other faults, which are now beyond the reach of correction, and which I feel, must hang a drag on many parts of the book.
Nevertheless, I am not without hope that the reader who is interested in the subject, will find in the book that which will repay him for the trouble