Page:Supplement to the fourth, fifth, and sixth editions of the Encyclopaedia Britannica - with preliminary dissertations on the history of the sciences - illustrated by engravings (IA gri 33125011196181).pdf/42

xxxiv The plan of announcing the names of Contributors, in connection with their respective articles, was first adopted, and was pretty extensively followed in the French Encyclopédie; though not always, it would appear, with perfect good faith; for towards its close, in particular, it is said to have been a common stratagem, to announce certain articles as the productions of authors predeceased. In no work of the kind has this plan been so steadily and extensively followed as in the present Supplement; and there can be no doubt, that it has contributed essentially to its character and success. It was a favourite object with its intelligent Projector, and the Editor readily entered into his views, being thoroughly satisfied that the Public would approve and profit by them. Yet he must say, that it is a plan attended with some embarrassments; and likely always to stand somewhat in the way of that rapidity and regularity in the publication of such works, which is so much desired both by Booksellers and by the Public; as well as to add considerably to the difficulty of adjusting their contents to a regulated scale.

The time is long past when it was thought necessary to recommend works of this kind by a formal exposition of their utility. Their numbers, and the encouragement given to them, afford a strong proof, both of the favourable state of the human mind in regard to the desire for information, and of the means of administering to that desire in an efficient manner. Works of fiction, and periodical miscellanies of various kinds, are the only other publications which rival Encyclopædias in the extent of their circulation; but the success of these must be allowed to be greatly owing to the love of amusement, to the relish for literary novelties, and to the feelings connected with political discussion; whereas Encyclopædias have no such stimulants, and if successful at all, they must owe their success entirely to the means they furnish for informing and enlightening the understanding. Their utility, in a word, seems sufficiently proved, by the mere fact of their existence and extensive dissemination.

The contrary opinion has, however, been countenanced by names of great distinction in our Literature, and appears still to linger among some of the learned.

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