moralist, build their systems. Hence, we presume to say, that the knowledge of Polite Literature and Taste may acquire a degree of certainty almost equal to that which belongs to morality, politics, and legislation, or to any science relative to human nature.
From this intimation, it may be expected that I ought more precisely to determine the nature and limits of the present design.
These expectations can be answered only in a hasty and imperfect manner, in the introduction to a treatise, which was merely intended to contain general observations upon certain parts of this science; as I am resolved to deduce conclusions from genuine principles alone.
In what should the theory of Polite Literature consist, but in its being a picture of the impressions which nature makes upon our senses; our feelings, emotions, passions; and of their power of exciting approbation or disgust, pleasure or pain? It is the art of discriminating the various tastes of different nations, ages, ranks, and persons; an enquiry into the means of affecting the mind with delight or admiration. The groundwork of the whole is the knowledge of mankind, derived from a comprehensive experience. By affording matter for investigation, elegant compositions, and the history of polite learning, will exercise the judgment, and give an idea of particular and general taste. Not intended as legislators, great authors will serve only as models and guides.
