TO
William Jones Eſq; F.R S.
SIR,
IT was a laudable cuſtom among the ancient Geometers, and very worthy to be imitated by their Succeſſors, to addreſs their Mathematical labours, not ſo much to Men of eminent rank and ſtation in the world, as to Perſons of diſtinguiſh'd merit and proſicience in the ſame Studies. For they knew very well, that ſuch only could be competent Judges of their Works, and would receive them with the eſteem they might deſerve. So far at leaſt I can copy after thoſe great Originals, as to chuſe a Patron for theſe Speculations, whoſe known skill and abilities in ſuch matters will enable him to judge, and whoſe known candor will incline him to judge favourably, of the ſhare I have had in the preſent performance. For as to the fundamental part of the Work, of which I am only the Interpreter, I know it cannot but pleaſe you ; it will need no protection, nor can it receive a greater recommendation, than to bear the name of its illuſtrious Author. However, it very naturally applies itſelf to you, who had the honour (for I am ſure you think it ſo) of the Author's friendſhip and familiarity in his life-time ; who had his own conſent to publiſh and elegant edition of ſome of his pieces, of a nature not very different from this ; and who have ſo juſt an eſteem for, as well as knowledge of, his other moſt ſublime, moiſt admirable, and juſtly celebrated Works.
A 2
