and others from the different works which contain representations of works of ancient art, as the Museo Borbonico, Museo Capitolino, Millin's Peintures de Vases Antiques, Tischbein's and D'Hancarville's engravings from Sir William Hamilton's Vases, and other similar works. Hitherto little use has been made in this country of existing works of art for the purpose of illustrating antiquity. In many cases, however, the representation of an object gives a far better idea of the purposes for which it was intended, and the way in which it was used, than any explanation in words only can convey. Besides which, some acquaintance with the remains of ancient art is almost essential to a proper perception of the spirit of antiquity, and would tend to refine and elevate the taste, and lead to a just appreciation of works of art in general.
Considerable care has been taken in drawing up the list of articles; but it is feared that there may still be a few omissions. Some subjects, however, which do not occur in the alphabetical list, are treated of in other articles; and it will be found by reference to the Index, that many subjects are not omitted which appear to be so. The reader will occasionally find some words referred for explanation to other articles, which are not treated of under the articles to which the references are made. Such instances, however, occur but rarely, and are rectified by the Index, where the proper references are given. They have only arisen from the circumstance of its having been found advisable in the course of the work to treat of them under different heads from those which were originally intended. Some inconsistency may also be observed in the use of Greek, Latin, and English words for the names of the articles. The Latin language has generally been adopted for the purpose, and the subjects connected with Greek antiquity have been inserted under their Greek names, where no corresponding words existed in Latin. In some cases, however, it has for various reasons been found more convenient to insert subjects under their English names, but this has only been done to a limited extent. Any little difficulty which may arise from this circumstance is also remedied by the Index, where the subjects are given under their Greek, Latin, and English titles, together with the page where they are treated of. The words have been arranged according to the order of the letters in the Latin alphabet.
Mr. George Long, who has contributed to this work the articles relating to Roman Law, has sent the Editor the following remarks, which he wishes to make respecting the articles he has written, and which are accordingly subjoined in his own words.
"The writer of the articles marked with the letters G. L. consideres some apology necessary in respect of what he has contributed to this work. He has never had the advantage of attending a course of lectures on Roman Law, and he has written these articles in the midst of numerous engagements, which left little time for other labour. The want of proper materials also was often felt, and it would have been sufficient to prevent the writer from venturing on such an undertaking if he had not been able to avail himself of the library of his
