Theory of Colours, Volume II

Prompted by such considerations and pressed by such necessities, we mostly let the authors speak for themselves; indeed, we would have preferred to provide the originals rather than the translation, had not a certain uniformity and more general usefulness persuaded us to do the opposite. The insightful reader will converse with each author individually; we have sought to facilitate his judgment, not to forestall it. The supporting evidence original: "Belege" is at hand, and a capable mind will easily synthesize them. The repetition at the conclusion will be helpful in this regard.

If we were permitted one more lighthearted remark here, we would say: that by this method of allowing every author to freely express his error as well as his truth, the friends of the untrue and the false are also provided for; they are hereby given the best opportunity to bestow their applause upon the strangest and least sustainable ideas.

After this first part, which actually constitutes the basis of our endeavor, we have added characteristic sketches and individual biographical traits concerning many a significant man, presented aphoristically Aphoristically: expressed in short, pithy, or concise statements rather than a continuous narrative.