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iv PREFACE. mental activity connected with the art: with the wants of those desiring to learn, the instructions of those willing to teach, and the suggestions or queries of those desirous of discussing some important point. The Volume just completed contains, besides the record of a year’s progress, the sum of a twelvemonth’s work of the kind to which we have referred; of specific instruction to meet the special wants which have from time to time come under our attention, as well as general contributions to the stock of knowledge from the majority of the most experienced and capable men who labour in our art. We seek the aid of all who can teach for the benefit of thousands willing to learn, and our pages bear comprehensive witness of the willing multitude of those ready to contribute to the common stock of knowledge for the advancement of the art. For our own part in this matter we have little to say. Our readers know what we have done, and have in many ways cheered us with their approval, and encouraged us to " walk by the same rule and mind the same things,” We are solely devoted to their service, with one aim to see that the lamp we hold for their guidance neither goes out nor burns dimly. Whilst we submit for their consideration everything worth note which affects the art, those things which are of vital importance we test and consider, that we may speak with decision concerning them. It is necessary that he who assumes the office of teacher should speak with certainty, although without dogmatism. And on this subject we cannot do better than express ourselves in the words of a preface written by Dr. Thomas Brown nearly two hundred years ago:—" Lastly, we are not Magisterial in Opinions, nor have we Dictator-like obtruded our conceptions ; but in the humility of Enquiries or Disquisitions, have only proposed them unto more ocular discerners. And therefore Opinions are free, and open it is for any to think or declare the contrary. And we shall so far encourage contradiction, as to promise no disturbance, or re-oppose any Pen, that shall fallaciously or captiously refute us ; that shall only lay hold of our Lapses, single out Digressions, Corrollaries or Ornamental Conceptions, to evidence his own in as indifferent truths. And shall only take notice of such, whose experimental and judicious knowledge shall solemnly look upon it; not only to destroy of ours, but to establish of his own; not to traduce or extenuate but to explain and delucidate, to add and amplicate according to the laudable custom of the Ancients in their sober promotions of Learning. Unto whom notwithstanding, we shall not contentiously rejoyn, or only to justifie our own, but to applaud or confirm his maturer assertions; and shall confer what is in us unto his Name and Honour. Ready to be swallowed in any worthy Enlarger : as having acquired our end, if any way, or under any name wo may obtain a work, so much desired and yet desiderated of Truth.’’ December, 1867.
