[xxxvi. 1]

1821 April 20

First Lines

Preface

Not usd by me. R. Doane Apr l. 1840

A summary view or outline of a work may be taken /sketched out/ and given either before or after completion: in the first /former/ case it is a view by anticipation, in the latter case an abridgement.

In comparison of the abridgement, great are the disadvantages under which a view by anticipation, has to labour: clearness, correctness, completeness, conciseness - on all these essential points, it cannot but be to an indefinite degree inferior and deficient.

If such be the disadvantage in the case of a work on any ordinary subject, how much greater it cannot but be in the case of a work without example on a subject of a nature at once so extensive and so important may be left to imagination to conceive.

Then why set about to compose it and if composed why publish it?

Answer. The greater the extent and dificulty of the work at large the greater the uncertainty whether, especially at his time of life, the author, would be able to render it in his own eyes, with reference to the design by which he was guided in the course of it, any thing like complete: In any part of that course, supposing him stopt by death and infirmity, but for such all-comprehensive howsoever imperfect[?] sketch the design would remain uncompleted, the remainder unconjecturable.