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The following pages have been compiled from varioussources, and from an extensive course of reading. TheEditor has in some instances placed his authorities in thenotes at the bottom of the page; and, where he has copiedfrom former writers, he has inserted the names of those fromwhom he has borrowed his materials. His chief object hasbeen to confine himself to facts; he has therefore carefullyavoided giving opinions upon, or drawing conclusions from, thevarious subjects of which he has treated. He has endeavouredto place many points of history in a new light, and in everypart to illustrate, in some degree, the several matters whichhave occupied his attention. It has been his desire to presentthe reader with a volume, from which he hopes both instructionand amusement may be drawn, and he submits it withconfidence, to the perusal of young persons in particular,as a collection of biographical and historical Miscellanea,calculated to beguile the tedium of an hour, without inculcatinga single idea that may sully the purest mind.

Taunton, May 31st, 1820.

Anecdotes of Dr. Kennicott, 1

Remarkable Historical Coincidences, 4

Charles XII. of Sweden, 6

British Pearls, 8

Pillars of Commemoration, 9

Mason, the Poet, 13

Bishops of Sodor and Man, 17

The Table, 19

Clocks, 20

Aldus Manutius, ...