NORTHPORT, LONG ISLAND, N. Y. EDWARD THOMPSON COMPANY LONDON C. D. CAZENOVE, 26 HENRIETTA STREET US: 013 AANC PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. VOLUME 29 recently issued, and the Index-Digest to follow shortly, conclude the First Edition of the AMERICAN AND ENGLISH ENCYCLOPDÆIA OF LAW. It is now ten years since the articles contained in Volume I were prepared. As the series was nearing completion it became a question as to how the work could best be kept abreast of the courts, and its value and usefulness preserved and, if possible, enhanced. There were but two methods worthy of consideration in which, by any possibility, this end could be attained: the first, by supplemental volumes, the ordinary but cumbrous and altogether unsatisfactory plan employed in continuing digests; the second, by a complete revision, issuing about three volumes annually. After mature deliberation, the latter method was resolved upon as being the more consistent with economy and convenience to the profession, and thoroughness and accuracy in the presentation of the law. It is a source of gratification to know that this course has the unqualified approval of eminent members of the bench and bar throughout the country. In the work of revision, the plan of the original will be pursued. Each treatise will be accompanied by a logical and orderly synopsis, which will subserve the twofold purpose of indicating the scope of the title and facilitating the examination of any particular branch of the subject treated. In connection with each treatise there will also be found a carefully prepared table of cross-references. The value and importance of this feature cannot be too highly estimated. By this means the reader is enabled to trace those parts of large and fruitful topics which, being worthy and susceptible of separate discussion, constitute independent titles; also to find. other subjects more or less intimately related. It possesses the additional merit of lessening the likelihood of duplication of treatment. The text will contain in clear and accurate form the principles of law involved, which, in the notes, will be supported by an exhaustive citation of authorities, and exemplified and fortified by concrete instances and apt quotations drawn from the cases. At the same time, theories and lengthy discussions will be studiously avoided. In both text and notes black-letter headlines will be liberally used. The practical utility of this feature as a means of facilitating reference is patent. The citations will be grouped by states in their alphabetical order, each list being preceded by the name of the state. This will be of great assistance |