In putting this work into the hands of the public, the author has not
been influenced by any of those motives that usually urge writers to
publication. Neither vanity, nor the desire of gaining what is called
a name, has had the slightest share in inducing him to take this step;
still less has he been influenced by any sordid love of gain; he looks
for neither praise nor profit. His sole motive for writing and publishing
this book has been to promote the general good, by contributing his mite
to the stock of general information.
The author is but too well aware that the merits of his work, if indeed
it have any at all, are of a very humble order; that it has, in short,
many defects: but a liberal, discerning, and indulgent public, will make
every allowance for one who makes no pretension to literary excellence.
The author may add, that part of the blame of his now obtruding himself
on the public rests on the urgent entreaties of some perhaps too partial
friends.