Maxims are general principles. General principles afford the most
beneficial subjects of reflection: hence it is obvious, that the memory
cannot be too well stored with Maxims. With regard to Law, Maxims are
the pillars upon which the system is erected. When the memory is stored
with them, the Lawyer can have no difficulty in his practice, to fill
up the outline.
The collection of Maxims here presented to the Public, is, I believe,
as extensive as any that has hitherto been published. I have omitted
none that I could discover to be of any utility. With regard to the
translation, it does not become me to say much. It has cost me some
labour, and I trust will be found to be useful. That it is in every
respect perfect, it would be wrong in me to suppose. I trust, however,
that on the whole it will be found pretty correct.