VI

PREFACE.

of facts by mathematical reasoning, and to en-liven those parts, where a simple detail of parti-culars must, from its necessary length, becomelanguid. Poetical descriptions, though theymay not be strictly conformable to the rigidprinciples of the science they are meant toelucidate, generally leave a stronger impressionon the mind, and are far more captivating thansimple unadorned language. From a persuasionof this kind, the Author has sometimes expa-tiated on subjects with a warmth of expression,which may perhaps seem too florid for a philo-sophical performance ; but which alone coulddelineate those elevated ideas, that must neces-sarily arise in the display of the sublimest scenesin nature, and the most stupendous works ofcreation.

The favourable reception which the first Edi-tion of this Work has met with from the Publichas induced the Author to revise it with thegreatest care and attention, and to make suchalterations and amendments, as, upon reconsi-dering the subject, have since suggested them-selves to him.

CON.