for reference at the head of each line, but also in the examples adduced; so that, with the exception of typographical errors, each word will be found to have, not only the same mode of spelling, but also a uniform intonation, throughout the book.
It is possible that, in the meaning given to each particular word, some dissimilarity may be observed between the present work and the Dictionary published by Dr. Morrison; if such should be the case, the author would not be understood as intentionally differing from his indefatigable predecessor, whose elaborate work he has seldom or ever consulted for the meaning of words; but, having followed an entirely independant authority, and having adopted the meanings assigned in native Dictionaries, and illustrated in the quotations referred to, it is not unlikely but some trifling discrepancy may arise. Fewer meanings may also be found in this, than in the Doctor’s work; but it must be remembered, that the present undertaking is on a much smaller scale than the preceding one, and to have given all the meanings of each word, and proofs of their being used in every several sense, from Chinese authors, would have swelled this Dictionary to too great a size, particularly as it is designed to illustrate, not so much the language, as a single dialect of it. However, the most common and approved sense of each word is generally given.
The quotations adduced are most of them from Chinese authors of the best reputation, viz. from the Five Classics, the Four Books, authentic Histories, and approved Odes, being generally the same which are quoted in the Imperial Dictionary, under the characters referred to. A few vulgar phrases may be found here and there, and some quotations from novels and unauthorized productions; but good authors, however ancient, have generally been preferred, both as being held in greater respect among the Chinese themselves, and as giving the most appoved sense of the characters in question. It may be that the author has mistaken the meaning of some passages, and has awkwardly expressed the sense of others, while published translations of the works quoted from may be brought, in triumphant proof of alledged ignorance or carelessness;—but it must be remembered, that a person giving the sense of an isolated passage is very likely to express himself differently from one who translates the book in detail; and that some variation or amplification is indeed necessary in a quotation, in order to give the reader a correct idea of the sentence, which would be less requisite where the passage stood in its proper connection. If it be asked,—why not give sentences from modern authors, or examples of every-day conversation, in illustration of each character? the answer may be, that there are no modern authors, of any reputation, but what are built upon, and imitators of ancient writings; and to manufacture sentences for the occasion would be
