THE original intention of the “Glossary of Architecture” was to supply a want which had long been felt of a Manual for constant use, either for reference in the study, or to assist the student in examining buildings themselves. The great popularity of the work proves that these objects were in some degree accomplished. But in the absence of any series of engravings generally accessible to which references might be made for examples, it became necessary to supply these in the work itself. In this way its extent has been greatly increased in each successive edition, and, while these additions have added in a proportionate degree to its value, the consequent increase of bulk and of price has caused an Abridgment to be called for.
Oxford, March, 1846.