his lot. Those who say that there are truths which must be hidden from
the people, need not be alarmed; the people do not read; they work six
days of the week, and on the seventh go to the inn. In a word,
philosophical works are made only for philosophers, and every honest man
must try to be a philosopher, without pluming himself on being one.

This alphabet is extracted from the most estimable works which are not
commonly within the reach of the many; and if the author does not always
mention the sources of his information, as being well enough known to
the learned, he must not be suspected of wishing to take the credit for
other people's work, because he himself preserves anonymity, according
to this word of the Gospel: "Let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth."




_CONTENTS_


PAGE
PREFACE BY VOLTAIRE 5

ADULTERY 11
ADVOCATE 16
ANCIENTS AND MODERNS 17
ANIMALS 21
ANTIQUITY 24
ARTS 27
ASTROLOGY 29