Dictionary of Physics or an Attempt at an Explanation of the Most Important Concepts and Technical Terms of Natural Philosophy

IV Preface.

Scientific propositions are founded, and of the actual meaning of the words—which, even in the best textbooks, are sometimes used in a wavering sense and used differently in one place than in another—not to mention that the order of the letters often leads to names of subjects about which one does not think at all, or only in passing, during the usual presentation of the science. That, finally, the historical and literary notes, which contribute so much to the thorough knowledge of the sciences, can be introduced with particular convenience in this order, is self-evident.

These advantages of the alphabetical method, which are sufficiently confirmed by the example of several good dictionaries, and especially the chemical one so beautifully edited by Mr. Leonhardi from Macquer Pierre-Joseph Macquer, a prominent French chemist, moved me as early as the year 1783 not to ignore the proposal of a translation of the physical dictionary published in the French language by Sigaud de la Fond Joseph Aignan Sigaud de la Fond, a French physicist *) without some attention, and with this intention to acquire both the named work itself,

*) Dictionary of Physics by Mr. Sigaud de la Fond, Professor of Experimental Physics, Member of the Royal Society of Sciences of Montpellier, etc. in Paris. 1781. IV Volumes. 8vo.