great sale. Sometimes, it is believed, they are stereotyped. Why should
not later practice and discoveries be published in a cheaper
_supplement_, to preserve the value of the original work? Thus, in my
family, I use the excellent _Cyclopædia of Popular Medicine_ published
by Dr. Murray in 1842; but on looking into it for "Chloroform" and "Cod
Liver Oil," no such articles are to be found, as they were not known in
1842. The skilful will find many other omissions.

IV. There might be a greater difficulty in constructing a popular
commercial or statistical dictionary, at a moderate price, to be
supplied with supplements at later intervals. But even as to these,
there is a good model in Waterston's _Small Dictionary of Commerce_,
published in 1844, which, with a supplement, might afford, for a few
shillings, to give all the later information derived from the free-trade
measures and extension of our colonies. Waterston's original work is
advertised often for sale at 10s. or 12s., and a supplement at 3s. would
bring it within the reach of the great bulk of readers.

These suggestions are offered without the slightest intention to
depreciate or disparage the greater and more elaborate works of Mr.
McCulloch, and others who compile and publish works worthy of reference,
and standards of authority among men of highest science. No man who can
afford it would ever be without the latest edition (without the aid of
supplements) of large works; but it is manifest that there has been a
great neglect to supply the mass of readers in ordinary circumstances
with books of common reference, at moderate prices; and I hope that some
publishers of enterprise and sagacity will see it to be their interest
to act on the advice now offered.

PHILANTHROPOS.