from returning the Gentlemen at the different offices his sincere thanks for their liberal communications to him on the subject; and he begs leave to inform the Reader, that if any utility be found in the Compilation, the merit of it belongs to them, and not to the Compiler. As to the inaccuracies which may have escaped the Compiler's attention, he trusts the Profession will view them with their accustomed indulgence. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE Compiler trusts this Edition will be favoured with the indulgence which the former received. He has, however, endeavoured to make it as little exceptionable, and as much useful, as the further assistance of his professional friends and his own experience have enabled him; by correcting whatever, on examination, appeared to require it, and adding, what he presumes will be found, much useful matter. Where the following pages are supported by authorities in print, the Compiler has referred to one of them, the latest he met with on the point; more he conceived unnecessary: where no authority is cited, the Reader will please to consider such part as the result either of official communication, or the Compiler's own experience. The former impression having been so favourably received as to have been out of print several years, and another long since called for, the present one would have made its appearance much earlier, had not some domestic misfortunes and other adverse circumstances prevented the Compiler's earlier attention to it. Here he must take the liberty of again returning his sincere thanks to the Gentlemen of the different offices for their very free communications to him on the subject; and to repeat that it is to them the Reader is principally indebted for the utility that may be found in the Compilation. |