The custom of dedicating works to individuals is of some antiquity, or,
at least, as far as the antiquity of book-making extends. At one period
it served the double purpose of creating a patron and enlarging the sale
of the book. Again, dedications became popular when great men
condescended to notice authors and placed their extensive libraries at
their disposal. Books published in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and
sixteenth centuries afford the curious reader rich specimens of this
species of literary composition.
Others, again, dedicated their works to men whose opinions assimilated
with their own. Thus, the philosopher dedicated his work to one who was
considered versed in the mysteries of science; the poet dedicated his
effusions to an admirer of rhyme; the dramatist, to a well-known patron
of the stage and of the drama; the painter dedicated his work on art to
a connoisseur,—one whose skill and judgment in the arts had secured him
a “world-renowned reputation.”
In our day and country the sale of a book depends altogether upon its
own merits and the _honest_ criticism of the press. Dedications,
therefore, are looked upon as one of those liberties an author can take
with a friend, and thus bring his name before the public in connection
with the work without being accused of selfish or interested motives.
Just such a liberty the author of this work takes with one whom he is
proud to call friend,—one whose many amiable qualities endear him to
all. It is, therefore, with much pleasure he dedicates this work to
_M. HALL STANTON, Esq.
of Philadelphia_,
as a memento of friendship and of the many happy hours that friendship
has afforded.