ADVERTISEMENT.

THE first part of the performance of a long existing (contract, relative to theHistory of Marine Architecture, the speedier execution of w/hich has been delayed bya number of occurrences, which it would be now irrelative amd impertinent to mention,is at length sent forth, with all its imperfections on its head, to pass through the fieryordeal of public criticism and opinion.

Although it is impossible for the most consummate vanity to flatter itself with thehope, that even in the mere narrative of the events which have taken place duringso long a period, and so interesting, yet, in many instancess, so obscure a branch ofhistory, many errors may not be discovered ’ r the Author, mevertheless, is happy inbeing able to boast a firm and honest consciousness, that he has spared no pains inthe inquiry and investigation which a most complex subject .‘seemed to demand. Ashe can safely affirm, too, that the best powers of his mind, amd the strongest efforts ofhis activity, have been for many years unceasingly devoted ito it, he trusts that hisinaccuracies will be censured with mildness, and that his unwiilling deficiencies may berather pitied than condemned.

On the ulterior prosecution of the plan submitted to public: view, some years since,in the advertisement prefixed to the Prospectus, it would, pe?rhaps, be considered im-proper to be silent: it would not only be improper, but most probably impolitic, as itmight argue either a breach of contract, or at best an indeceint neglect. It was thenconsidered as necessary to divide the subject into two bramches, for reasons whiclimaturer subsequent deliberation having sanctioned the propriety of, may now beassigned with less hesitation than they could' have been, in the: first instance.

It is a complaint frequently made, and, it must be confessed,, with very good reason,that books, more especially those written on points of any particular science, are

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