les, which are
thus compounded. From hence the Reader will see plainly my method of
analysis, and the basis of my etymological inquiries.

As my researches are upon subjects very remote, and the histories to which
I appeal, various; and as the truth is in great measure to be obtained by
deduction, I have been obliged to bring my authorities immediately under
the eye of the Reader. He may from thence be a witness of the propriety of
my appeal; and see that my inferences are true. This however will render my
quotations very numerous, and may afford some matter of discouragement, as
they are principally from the Greek authors. I have however in most places
of consequence endeavoured to remedy this inconvenience, either by
exhibiting previously the substance of what is quoted, or giving a
subsequent translation. Better days may perhaps come; when the Greek
language will be in greater repute, and its beauties more admired. As I am
principally indebted to the Grecians for intelligence, I have in some
respects adhered to their orthography, and have rendered antient terms as
they were expressed by them. Indeed I do not see, why we should not render
all names of Grecian original, as they were exhibited by that people,
instead of taking our mode of pronunciation from the Romans. I scarce know
any thing, which has been of greater detriment to antient history than the
capriciousness of writers in never expressing foreign terms as they were
rendered by the natives. I shall be found, however, to have not acted up
uniformly to my principles, as I have only in some instances copied the
Grecian orthography. I have ventured to abide by it merely in some
particular terms, where I judged, that etymology would be concerned. For I
was afraid, however just this method might appear, and warrantable, that it
would seem too novel to be universally put in practice.

My purpose has been throughout to give a new turn to antient history, and
to place it upon a surer foundation. The mythology of Greece is a vast
assemblage of obscure traditions, which have been transmitted from the
earliest times. They were described in hieroglyphics, and have been veiled
in allegory: and the same history is often renewed under a different
system, and arrangement. A great part of this intelligence has been derived
to us from the Poets; by which means it has been rendered still more
extravagant, and strange. We find the whole, like a grotesque picture,
blazoned high,