PREFACE. THE author of these volumes made a number of improvements in the last Duodecimo edition of his Gramınar; and inserted many critical and explanatory notes, in subsequent editions of the Exercises and the Key; and added, at the end of the Key, a copious Alphabetical Index to all the three books. In consequence of these additions and variations, the proprietors of the works conceived that an improved edition of the whole, in two volumes Octavo, in a large letter, and on superfine paper, with an appropriate title, would not be unacceptable to the public. The author has therefore embraced this opportunity, to revise the Grammar, to enlarge it very considerably, and to adapt the whole to the purposes in view *. use of In its present form, the work is designed for the persons, who may think it merits a place in their Libraries. To this privilege it may, perhaps, be allowed to aspire, as a work containing an ample exhibition of the principles of English Grammar, and a copious illustration of those principles; with the addition of some positions and discussions, which the author persuades himself are not destitute of originality. It may therefore serve as a book of reference, to refresh the memory, and, in some degree, to employ the curiosity, of persons who are skilled in grammar, as well as to extend the knowledge of those who wish to improve themselves in the art. In preparing for the Octavo edition, the author examined the most respectable publications on *The additions occupy more than Ninety pages of the first volume; and are interspersed throughout the book. the subject of grammar, that had recently ap peared; and he has, in consequence, been the better enabled to extend and improve his work. These improvements consist chiefly of a number of observations, calculated to illustrate and confirm particular rules and positions contained in the Grammar; and of many critical discussions, in justification of some of its parts, against which objections had been advanced. These discussions are not of small importance, or of a merely speculative nature. They respect some of the established principles and arrangements of the language. And the author presumes, that whilst they support these principles, they will be found to contain some views and constructions, which the reader may usefully apply to a variety of other occasions.—The improvements contained in this edition, do not affect the connexion which subsists between the late editions of the Grammar, the Exercises, and the Key. The correspondence of these books with one another remains un altered. |