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An alphabetical table of the cases cited is prefixed to the first volume, enabling the reader, at a glance, to ascertain whether any particular decision is here noticed; and, if so, guiding him to the place where he may see by what other authorities that decision is supported, qualified, or contradicted.

A connected and synthetical Index, of the contents of each principal division of the work, is subjoined at its close; combined with an analytical Index of the collateral subjects treated of. Facility of reference, (which in the body of the work made brevity desirable as far as that was consistent with perspicuity,) here obviously indicates the propriety of copiousness: the shorter points of any treatise are precisely those which stand most in need of an index to make them readily accessible; and no one will contend, that, it is enough if all the important contents are found, somewhere or other, in an index; or deny that it is desirable they should be referred to under each title where they may probably be sought; particularly, when this can, in most cases, be done by a single figure. On this head, indeed, the author is less afraid of being charged with redundancy, than of being reproached for deficiencies; as he is sensible there are doctrines laid down in the body of his work, and there supported by authorities,

to which passages no corresponding reference will be found in the Index. Pains, however, have been taken to prevent the frequency of such omissions; for, although the minute drudgery of index-making is what no writer would willingly undertake, still, his readers have a right to expect it from him as a matter of duty: with respect to books of general literature, indeed, this is a distinct department, with which the author of any work seldom interferes; but the writer of a law treatise must make his own index.

A running abstract of the principal contents of each page will be found in the margin thereof; if this should be thought a work of supererogation, it will, at least, not add to the bulk of the work; it only occupies space which would otherwise have been left blank; the additional labor rests, exclusively, with the author; the convenience different readers may estimate differently; but that convenience, it is believed, will not, by economists of their time, be thought inconsiderable.

Some doctrines discussed in this treatise have appeared almost equally applicable to more than one division of the work; but generally, even in these cases, some distinctive character has been found to direct their appropriation to a particular chapter; and where a notice of the same subject has been called for in a different part of the work,

this has, usually, been effected by a mere reference. In a few instances, however, it has been deemed essential to the integral unity of each of two distinct chapters, to advance, in terms, the same proposition in both: and, when the propriety of so doing has been felt, no attempt has been made to disguise the repetition, by any studied variation of phrase, or by a different selection of authorities.

Correction of errors, even if inflicted with caustic severity, the author will endeavour to profit by: hints for improvements, suggested with indulgence, will be entitled to, and will assuredly receive, his grateful acknowledgments. Such as the work is in its present state, it must, now, be offered to the Public, unpatronized: if it be worthless, the name of the highest patron could not uphold it; if it shall be found to possess utility, and afford convenience, it will require no other patronage.

5, NEW SQUARE, LINCOLN'S INN,

17th March, 1825.

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