The P R E F A C E. v THE Revival of this Treatife, and the common Inclination to be informed, con- cerning this Subject, on the prefent Occa- sion, have, 1 perceive, drawn out many Things into Light , which have had a long Repofe in Duft and Oblivion but the Authors of fuch Difcoveries feem to have had more Regard to the Gratification of particular Refentments, than to any laudable Purpofes to ferve the Publick ; and have taken more Pains in their Prefaces to thrufi themfelves into Confederation, by a very ill Treatment of their Betters, than by any real Jffiflances againfl the common Dan- ger i But an ordinary Reader may eafily dijiinguifb the froward Petulances of an invidious Temper, and the Itch of Contra- diction ; from true Merit, and the generous Communication of ufeful Knowledge. wiuo-
