An ornamental woodcut divider featuring symmetrical scrolling vines and floral motifs.

Preface.

If it is true that nature has destined humans for a social, rational, and moral life; if without this social union—to fulfill our vocation The original German "Bestimmung" carries the weight of "destiny" or "purpose," reflecting the Enlightenment belief that humans have a specific role to fulfill in the universe. and to promote mutual happiness—our condition would rise little above that of the irrational animals; if, therefore, domestic bonds, civic relations, the sciences, and finally the fulfillment of our duties and our influence on the rest of the world of which we are a part—in short! if love, friendship, civic duty, wisdom, sociability, morality, and religion are the greatest objects of human attention, then