It has not been in my power to procure several Italian works, which, I have reason to think, would have helped to illustrate parts of my subject. Some of the most curious and valuable of those quoted in the following pages I had the opportunity of examining in Holland, and particularly in the library of the venerable Mons. Chevalier, one of the pastors of the French church in Amsterdam, whose uncommon politeness I have to acknowledge, in not only allowing me the free est use of his books, but also in transmitting to me a number of extracts which I had not time to make during my short stay in that city. Amidst such a multiplicity of facts, as to many of which I had not the advantage arising from a com parison of different authorities, I do not ?atter myself that, with all my care, I have kept free from mistakes and shall feel obliged to any one who shall put it in my power to correct the errors which I may have committed.