DEDICATION.

But the pleasantness of the subject has unintentionally drawn me away from my main purpose, which was to make this public acknowledgment of the great favors your Grace The formal style of address for a Duke. has conferred upon me; and to ask permission to declare myself,

Jan. 1. 1739-40.
In the mid-18th century, England still used the Julian calendar where the New Year began in March. "1739-40" indicates it was 1739 by the old legal calendar, but 1740 by the modern historical calendar.

William Stukeley.
William Stukeley (1687–1765) was a prominent English physician, clergyman, and antiquarian. He is best remembered today for his pioneering archaeological work at Stonehenge and Avebury.