AND A
COPIOUS CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF
Remarkable Events, Discoveries, and Inventions.
By the Rev. JOSEPH HAMILTON, M. A.
SECOND AMERICAN EDITION.
ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE
ENGLISH EDITION.
The rapid sale of the thirteen former Editions of this Dictionary, has induced the Editor to comply with the desires of the public, in preparing another impression for the press. To copy the best examples is not only the necessary resource of the writers of the present age, but it exhibits, at the same time, a proof of their modesty and discernment. This remark extends to authors in almost every department of science and morals: but it is peculiarly applicable to the Editor of a Dictionary. If a word has been once explained with accuracy, and its various meanings discriminated with critical acumen, nothing remains for a succeeding writer, but to collect and arrange the labours of his predecessors, in a manner which coincides with his own particular plan. Such is the use which has been made in the present work of the laborious and celebrated compilation of Dr. Johnson, which is the most perfect model in its kind. And if this task has been performed with only common industry and care, it will follow that this small volume contains in substance the quintessence of lexicography, and is adapted for every purpose as a book of reference. It has also this superior advantage, that the more obsolete excrescences of Johnson, and other eminent lexicographers, are here exchanged for many additional scientific and literary terms not current in their time. In fact, no pains have been spared to render this work as complete as its limits would admit.
An epitome of the Heathen Mythology follows the Dictionary, more copious and correct than has hitherto appeared in any similar production; and the Chronology annexed exhibits the general outlines of ancient and modern history.