Sold by J. and J. FLETCHER; D. PRINCE and J. COOKE, Oxon; also by P. ELMSLEY, and B. WHITE, London. M DCC LXXX I. (i) PREFACE. T HE defign of the following Effay is to confider the Study of Antiquities as a branch of polite learning, and to fhew its intimate connection with the most elegant, as well as the most useful parts of Science. THE Study of Antiquities is generally confidered either as confined within the compafs of mere curiofity; or as dry and uninteresting, and therefore incompatible with the more elegant pursuits of Genius. This powerful and prevailing prejudice places it at too great a distance to admit of an impartial view. But when the nature of this study, and the various objects of it, are attentively examined and compared, the mind is gratified with a new pleasure; and experiences the involuntary operation of those feelings, which had so li ely |