In the Arabick department, the Grammars of Mr. Lumsden, M. de Sacy, and Martelotto, have principally been followed. The doctrine here exhibited on the use of the tenses of the Arabick Verb, given for the first time in Europe in my Hebrew Grammar (pp. 341-363) has been taken from the native Commentators on the Arabick Grammar, and cannot fail, it is presumed, very much to facilitate the acquisition of that language, as also as to throw great light on the Persian, which is cultivated on precisely the same principles.
The plates inserted in the last edition, through the kindness of Dr. Wilkins will be found in this, with an additional one containing some good specimens of Arabian writing, for which also he is entitled to the thanks of the Public. With respect to myself, I will only say, that I have spared no pains in endeavouring to render this work subservient to the great end for which its admirable Author intended it, namely, public utility: and, in the instances in which I may have failed (for I am not vain enough to suppose, that the work is yet perfect) I must request the indulgence of the learned reader, assuring him, that any hint offered either publicly or privately, by which it may be improved, will be received with gratitude, and duly acknowledged, provided it come in the shape and spirit which will entitle it to regard.
