TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: A few typographical errors have been corrected.They have been marked in the text with popups.A complete list of corrections follows the text. Greek words that maynot display correctly in all browsers are similarly transliterated:βιβλος.
This book does not demand continuous reading; but at whatever place oneopens it, one will find matter for reflection. The most useful books arethose of which readers themselves compose half; they extend the thoughtsof which the germ is presented to them; they correct what seemsdefective to them, and they fortify by their reflections what seems tothem weak.
It is only really by enlightened people that this book can be read; theordinary man is not made for such knowledge; philosophy will never behis lot. Those who say that there are truths which must be hidden fromthe people, need not be alarmed; the people do not read; they work sixdays of the week, and on the seventh go to the inn. In a word,philosophical works are made only for philosophers, and every honest manmust try to be a philosopher, without pluming himself on being one.
This alphabet is extracted from the most estimable works which are notcommonly within the reach of the many; and if the author does not alwaysmention the sources of his information, as being well enough known tothe learned, he must not be suspected of wishing to take the credit forother people's work, because he himself preserves anonymity, accordingto this word of the Gospel: "Let not thy left hand know what thy righthand doeth."