such a table has been prefixed in the present case, and for a reason in keeping with the purpose and character of the Dictionary, that is to say, to serve as a synopsis to the Institute of the whole Law which is embodied in the Dictionary, and at the same time to classify the whole law under its distinct compartments, rendering every such compartment (as nearly as might be) a complete epitome of the law upon that particular head.

How far the Author may be found to have accomplished the purposes (as herein before expressed) of this compilation, he must leave to the judgment of others; but without craving the indulgence of the public, whose servant he is, and to whom, therefore, if he serve up anything he should in all conscience serve up a proper dish, he is reluctant to acknowledge that an unaccustomed feeling of diffidence has once or twice assailed him, lest his work should not prove so absolutely faultless or so generally useful as it has been his wish to make it. But of one thing he is courageous, namely, of the service which his work will render to students preparing for the bar or for the lower branch of the profession. Of all persons who have to labour in the early hours of life, students of the law are probably the most deserving of compassion,-a compassion which should increase with each increasing year, inasmuch as Parliament is annually adding to the burdens of their already over-burdened shoulders. Surely, therefore, an Institute of the character that is here attempted should prove a welcome manual to such. The student's eye will also be materially assisted by the style in which the work is printed.

89, Chancery Lane, W.C.

October, 1874.

A. BROWN.

** N.B.-The references to titles in the Table of Contents are to the Table of
Contents, and the references to titles in the Body of the Dictionary are to the
body of the Dictionary.