M E MAO I R E S
                       FOR THE
  N A T V R X L H I S T o K T.
                            O F
   A N I M\4 A L S.
                 P K E ~F A C E)
LI' IST OR Y, of what Nature foever it be, is written after two
1 1Ways: In the one are related all the things which have bcen
at feveral times colledcd, and which do belong to the Subjc&
it Treats off. In the other we are confined to the Narrative of fome
particular Ads, of which the Writer has a certain knowledge. This
Iaf't way, which the Romans did call Commentaries, and the Frenchi,
Mernoires; although it contains only the Parts, and as it were the
Elements which do compofe the Body of Hiftory, and has not the
Majefty found in that which is general, yet claims this Advantage ;
that Certainty and Truth, which are the moft recomendable QOuali-
ties of Hiftory, cannot be wanting in it, provided the 'Writer be
exad and fincere; which is not fufficient for the general Hifiorian,
who oftentimes cannot be true, how defirous foever he be after the
Truth, and what care foever he imploy's to difcover it ; becaufe
he is allwayes in danger of being deceived by the Memoires on
which he builds.
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