Since then no systematic explanation of these variations has ever been given before, therefore a treatise which has this for its object, can require no lengthy Preface or Apology at its Introduction. It is a want which had to be supplied. Indeed, strictly speaking, not one, but two wants are supplied here. For it so happens that the examination of the names is not the only requirement, to satisfy which the first attempt is made here. The generalizations and ex planations given with it, and, I trust, shown to be incontrovertibly true, are also, if not altogether new, yet unapplied, and almost unknown even in the best works on Textual Criticism in' general or on the LXX. In particular. Here, from the nature of the case, their application is confined almost solely to the variations of names; but, at least, some of them can include, with equal truth, other words of all kinds.