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/49



forms a General Dictionary, not only of Arts and Sciences, but of every branch of Human Knowledge. It was the first work of this class which aspired to embrace all the departments of Learning, and it was also the first which gave the example of a connected and coherent method of treating the Sciences. In its plan, it has received the decided approbation of most of those who have turned their attention to the subject; and as the work has now gone through Five extensive editions, it cannot be doubted, that, both in arrangement and execution, it has met the general approbation of the public.

As there is no material difference in the text of the two last editions, the present work is thus rendered equally applicable to both. It was undertaken with the view of supplying omissions,—of remedying the defects of imperfect execution,—and of exhibiting the Arts and Sciences in their latest state of improvement. It will also afford an opportunity of continuing the leading Historical articles to the present time,—of adapting the Geographical and Statistical information to the altered state of the world;—and, in short, of reviewing and augmenting every department of knowledge embraced by the Encyclopædia.

The utility of such a work must appear abundantly obvious. By means of it, the Encyclopædia Britannica will be rendered more complete as a Book of Reference, and raised to a level with the improved knowledge and spirit of the age. Though more immediately connected with the two last editions, it must also prove a valuable sequel to the Third; and indeed the nature of the work is such, as to extend its utility to a much wider circle; as it will of itself afford a comprehensive view of the progress and present state of all the more interesting departments of Human Knowledge.