Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 029.djvu/5

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

(3)




THE

PREFACE.

THE Philofophical Tranſactions, begun to be Publiſhed by that indefatigably diligent Promoter of Learned Correſpondence, Mr Oldenburgh, the firſt who attempted any thing of this Nature) having been ſufficiently known to the Curious, and always acceptable to the Learned, when due care has been taken in the choice of the Collections ſo recommended to the inquifitive and intelligent Reader; a long Preface muſt appear wholly unneceſſary.

However, it may not be amiſs to inform the Learned and Ingenious, of ſome Particulars of the preſent Putliſher’s Deſign: Which is;

Firſt, To prefent the Publick with ſuch ſhort Tracts, as might otherwiſe be loſt a Poſterity, if printed in single Sheets or Pamphlets.

Secondly, To give the Extracts, for the moſt part, of the Material, omitting the Preambles and Concluſions, and the uſeleſs parts of ſuch Letters as Correſpondents ſhall pleaſe to honour him with, relating to the Improvement of Natural Philoſophy, Mathematicks, or Mechanicks.

Thirdly, To give an exacct account of ſuch Experiments, as having been made before the Illuſtrious Royal Society, they ſhall pleaſe to order or permit the Publication of.

Fourthly,