In the prospectus of this work, the expectation was expressed that each Number would contain from 64 to 80 pages; that as many as four Numbers might be issued within the year, and engravings were promised for such subjects as might require them.

The Numbers published, have actually contained from 104 to 132 pages, the four have been issued within a period of ten months, and twelve copper-plate engravings and several woodcuts, illustrate the present volume.

Of the subjects proposed in the plan of the work, our pages contain notices, more or less extensive, of Geology, Mineralogy, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Mathematics, Useful Arts, Fine Arts, Inventions, Reviews, Biography, and Intelligence. How far then we have redeemed our pledge, we leave it for our readers to decide.

In the commencement of an enterprise, for the first time attempted in this country, an enterprise arduous in its nature and uncertain in its issue, it will not be doubted that considerable solicitude was experienced.

To concentrate American efforts in science and the arts, by furnishing a Journal to record their proceedings, will, in our view, not only have a direct influence in promoting the honour and prosperity of the nation as connected with its physical interests, but will also tend in no small degree to nourish an enlarged patriotism, by winning the public mind from the odious asperities of party. That entire success will attend our efforts, it would perhaps be presumptuous to expect, but we trust that the interesting previous question, whether such a work can be adequately sustained, by appropriate materials, may be considered as now decided. The support which we have received, and for which we are deeply grateful, has been far beyond our most sanguine hopes, and has caused us to dispense with no small portion of those less important efforts of our own, with which we were prepared to succour our infant undertaking.

If we may be allowed to express a wish relative to the nature of future communications, it would be, that those of a scientific nature should not be diminished, while those relating to the arts, to agriculture, and to domestic economy, should be increased; we particularly solicit the communications of practical men, versed in the useful and ornamental arts, and they will be acceptable should they not even be clothed in a scientific dress.

Arrangements have been made for the reception of an increased number of the best European Journals, both from the continent and from Britain; they have already begun to arrive, and we hope to give in future numbers, more full details of foreign scientific intelligence, although it is true that this species of information has hitherto been stinted, not from poverty of materials, but from the pressure of original American communications.

In justice to the publishers of this work, we add, that this publication is an expensive one; very heavy advances have been already made by them, while only a trivial amount has been received in return. It is hoped, therefore, that subscribers will promptly remit, free from postage, the small stipulated sum, and also make the required advance for the succeeding volume. This last is not due till the first number of that volume has been issued, but it would save postage to remit both sums at once, and thus also it will be known what subscriptions are continued. In a subscription so widely dispersed over a large portion of the United States, an inattention to punctual payment, must soon put in hazard the existence of a work, having otherwise the fairest prospects of continuance, and we hope of usefulness.

Should this appeal be promptly answered, the first number of the next volume (already in considerable forwardness,) will be published in the course of the summer; and should men of ability continue to furnish communications, and the public be willing to pay for the work, it is our wish to publish future numbers with greater frequency, and to complete our volumes whenever we are prepared, without confining ourselves to particular periods of time.

New-Haven, Conn. May 17, 1819.