The Dissertations of Maximus Tyrius

In translating this work, it is only fair to admit that I derived considerable assistance from the critical labors of Davies, Markland, and Reiske. Indeed, for the most part, the conjectures and emendations of Markland are so sagacious and acute that I believe he may be deservedly ranked among the finest critics. I say "for the most part" because, as the learned reader will perceive, ✓ I have occasionally found it necessary to disagree with him, particularly in passages of a more philosophical nature. For the correction of such passages, mere verbal skill—however transcendent—must necessarily be inadequate.

I have already observed that these Dissertations are calculated to be largely beneficial, and I now add that they are peculiarly so at the present time. For there surely never was ✓ a period when it was so necessary that sound reasoning on some of the most important subjects of inquiry in ethics and theology should be promoted as the present. This is because nothing is more common than to hear the fundamental principles of these sciences