LC

31

C85

1847 21433

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by

HARPER & BROTHERS,

In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York.

ADVERTISEMENT

AMERICAN

BY THE

PUBLISHERS.

THE design of these volumes is to show, by adducing numerous and striking examples of individuals distinguished by great intellectual attainments under circumstances the least favourable, that knowledge is not necessarily confined to any class or condition of men; but that it is open to and within the reach of all; so that whoever will, even under difficulties the most discouraging, may, by the help of courage and perseverance, apply himself successfully to its pursuit. Considering the very engaging and instructive character of the work, and the important interests connected with the subject of which it treats, the publishers entertain a confident belief that it will be both favourably received and productive of extensive and permanent good.

This work, published originally by the British Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, has been carefully prepared from the last English edi.