write upon the education peculiarly adapted to the principal professions, without recommending for each of them such modes of instruction, and such habits, as are com

mon to them all; or without alluding to circumstances that have been elsewhere detailed.

A writer is required, by the great authority of Dr. Johnson, to make his book a whole, which shall contain all that the reader wishes to be informed of upon the subject laid before him: and at the same time an author is liable to censure, if he repeat himself, or if he ostentatiously refer the reader to his former writings. To shun these extremes, I have carefully looked over the following sheets, to determine how much of what they contain may be traced to "Practical Education;" and the result of this examination induces me to believe, that the substance of about twenty of the subsequent pages are to be found in different parts of that work; and to save the reader trouble on this point, references are made by an asterisk to "Practical Education," whereever it is distinctly alluded to.

The first chapter of this book consists of general remarks upon the cultivation of those qualities and talents, which are necessary or useful in every profession; and it is consequently more analogous than any other chapter to what has been said in our former work. If this appear.

as a redundance, the fault arises from want of skill, and not from want of care.

Another difficulty occurred. In writing didactically, the use of that disgusting pronoun I, or the more important We, saves much trouble and much circumlocution; this mode of writing therefore had been adopted; but by the advice of a judicious friend the whole has been revised, with no small expense of time and trouble, to expunge the obnoxious pronouns. This circumstance is mentioned to give an unequivocal proof of that industry, which never should relax, from an author's becoming more familiar with the press; and of that deference for the public, which its former favours should exalt into respectful gratitude.

Edgeworthstown,

April, 1808.

RICHARD LOVELL EDGEWORTH.

ERRATA.

P. L.

45

Dele the sentence beginning line 7, and ending line 10.

143, 2 & 3 note, Dele (For the French see the Appendix.)