_Our first intentions considering the common interest of Truth, resolved to propose it unto the Latine republique and equal Judges of_ Europe, _but owing in the first place this service unto our Country, and therein especially unto its ingenuous Gentry, we have declared our self in a language best conceived. Although I confess the quality of the Subject will sometimes carry us into expressions beyond meer English apprehensions. And indeed, if elegancy still proceedeth, and English Pens maintain that stream, we have of late observed to flow from many; we shall within few years be fain to learn Latine to understand English, and a work will prove of equal facility in either. Nor have we addressed our Pen or Stile unto the people (whom Books do not redress, and are this way incapable of reduction), but unto the knowing and leading part of Learning. As well understanding (at least probably hoping) except they be watered from higher regions, and fructifying meteors of Knowledge, these weeds must lose their alimental sap, and wither of themselves. Whose conserving influence, could our endeavours prevent; we should trust the rest unto the sythe of_ Time, _and hopefull dominion of Truth_. [Sidenote: περὶ τῶν ψευδῶς πεπιστευμένων, _Athenæi_, lib. 7.] _We hope it will not be unconsidered, that we find no open tract, or constant manuduction in this Labyrinth; but are oft-times fain to wander in the_ America _and untravelled parts of Truth. For though not many years past, Dr._ Primrose _hath made a learned Discourse of vulgar Errors in Physick, yet have we discussed but two or three thereof._ Scipio Mercurii _hath also left an excellent tract in_ Italian, _concerning popular Errors; but confining himself only unto those in Physick, he hath little conduced unto the generality of our doctrine._ Laurentius Ioubertus, _by the same Title led our expectation into thoughts of great relief; whereby notwithstanding we reaped no advantage; it answering scarce at all the promise of the inscription. Nor perhaps (if it were yet extant) should we find any farther Assistance from that ancient piece of_ Andreas, _pretending the same Title. And therefore we are often constrained to stand alone against the strength of opinion, and to meet the_ Goliah _and Giant of Authority, with contemptible pibbles, and feeble arguments, drawn from the scrip and slender stock of our selves. Nor have we indeed scarce named any Author whose name we do not honour; and if detraction could invite us, discretion surely would contain us from any derogatory intention, where highest Pens and friendliest eloquence must fail in commendation_.