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To
His Imperial Majesty,
Don Pedro Segundo
Sire!
It is a well known fact, that Your Imperial Majesty, during Your reign has been the constant Protector of the intellectual development and the general instruction of the country. Numerous institutions, which Your Majesty's private liberality has so often assisted, give the most authentic proof of our assertion in this respect. Therefore, publishing this insignificant work, presently, the object of which is to contribute to the instruction of the country and facts concerning it; I fulfil the agreeable duty of placing it, respectfully, under your Majesty's August protection,
