latter, the all-pervading power of fact has instantaneous effect. These adopt principles indeed with great caution, but when adopted, they proceed to act in conformity to them.
The publisher dedicated the former editions of this small work "To the generous, enlightened and sympathizing FEW, whose opinions had not been founded on vulgar acceptation, or influenced by maxims which are either unmeaning or false." Those "few" have increased to a numerous and decided body. He does not presume that they have thus enlarged through his efforts; yet, when it is considered that not less than three editions of this work have been received by the public, consisting, in the whole, of five thousand copies, the cause has been wretchedly pleaded, if no effect has been produced. Both retrenchments and additions have been made in bringing it a fourth time before the public.
During the circulation of those editions, the publisher has received numerous congratulatory letters; and, recently, one from Mr. W. Elliot of the patent office, at the city of Washington, who says, "It is about two years since I left off animal food. I conceive this change has had a very favourable effect both on my body and mind. There are others in this country who are disciples of this humane system. Mr. Thomas Mitchel of Charleston, South Carolina, is very remarkable for his active and disinterested conduct in bringing it forwards."
The publisher has enjoyed also the pleasure of reading the able and important reasonings of a Lambe, a Newton, a Ritson and others, as contemporary advocates in the same cause.
The publisher may not expect to be pardoned for adding his own case to the egotism of this preface.
