Sold by D. PRINCE, and J. CooкE; J. and J. FLETCHER; alfo by P. ELMS LY, B. WHITE, T. PAYNE, and Son; London, M DCC LXXX II.

(2)

PREFACE.

HE design of the following Effay

TH

Tito confider the Study of An

is

tiquities as a branch of polite learning, and to fhew its intimate connection with the most elegant, as well as the most useful parts of Science.

THE Study of Antiquities is generally confidered either as confined within the compass of mere curiofity; or as dry and uninteresting, and therefore incompatible with the more elegant purfuits of Genius. This powerful and prevailing prejudice places it at too great a diftance to admit of an impartial view. But when the nature of this ftudy, and the various objects of it,

are

are attentively examined and compared, the mind is gratified with a new pleafure; and experiences the involuntary operation of those feelings, which had fo lively an influence on CORREGGIO, when he first beheld a picture of RaPHAEL. Ed io anche fon Antiquario.

THOUGH the prejudice commonly attending this study feems to be difappearing, from the liberal manner in which it is by many now conducted, the Author was willing to contribute his humble affiftance towards effecting fo defirable purpose. When a wished event has taken place, it is a fatisfaction to have exerted even the feebleft effort.

He had also other motives which induced him to make it public. As he is engaged in an Inquiry into the origin and formation of the Greek Language, the general plan of which he has given fome

view