PRINTED FOR A.STRAHAN AND T.CADELL, LONDON;

AND FOR WILLIAM CREECH, EDINBURGH,

M.DCC.LXXXVIII.

P R E F A C E.

TH

*HE following Work is the substance

of various speculations, which occasionally occupied the author, and enlivened his leisure hours. It is not intended for the learned ; they are above it: nor for the vulgar; they are below it. It is intended for those who, free from the corruption of opulence and depression of bodily labour, are fond of useful knowledge ; who, even in the delirium of youth, feel the dawn of patriotism, and who, in riper years, enjoy its meridian warmth. To such men this work is dedicated ; and that they may profit by it, is the author's ardent wilh; and probably will be while he retains life sufficient to form a will,

May