When this book was published in 1873, the object was twofold. The first was to protest against an idea entertained by some of my countrymen that the Japanese language is very imperfect, and therefore it must be exterminated. This idea, however, appears to have been given up as altogether preposterous and extravagant. The second was to give a general idea of the Japanese language as it is spoken. Maturer thought suggests to me some alterations, but I found that no material change is necessary. I have added several new Exercises which I deemed advisable, and trusting that in its new form it will prove acceptable, I have the pleasure of submitting a second edition of the work.