_ENGLISH EDITION_.
The rapid sale of the thirteen former Editions of this Dictionary, has
induced the Editor to comply with the desires of the public, in
preparing another impression for the press. To copy the best examples is
not only the necessary resource of the writers of the present age, but
it exhibits, at the same time, a proof of their modesty and discernment.
This remark extends to authors in almost every department of science and
morals: but it is peculiarly applicable to the Editor of a Dictionary.
If a word has been once explained with accuracy, and its various
meanings discriminated with critical acumen, nothing remains for a
succeeding writer, but to collect and arrange the labours of his
predecessors, in a manner which coincides with his own particular plan.
Such is the use which has been made in the present work of the laborious
and celebrated compilation of Dr. JOHNSON, which is the most perfect
model in its kind. And if this task has been performed with only common
industry and care, it will follow that this small volume contains in
substance the quintessence of lexicography, and is adapted for every
purpose as a book of reference. It has also this superior advantage,
that the more obsolete excrescences of JOHNSON, and other eminent
lexicographers, are here exchanged for many additional scientific and
literary terms not current in their time. In fact, no pains have been
spared to render this work as complete as its limits would admit.
An epitome of the Heathen Mythology follows the Dictionary, more copious
and correct than has hitherto appeared in any similar production; and
the Chronology annexed exhibits the general outlines of ancient and
modern history.