DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.7597#0017
X
PREFACE.
which I received from him, it would never have been published
at all.
About three years ago, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted
with Mr. S. W. Singer, who was at that time employed in a work
upon the origin and history of Playing-Cards; and it was principally
at the suggestion of that gentleman that I undertook to preface my
Inquiry concerning the Invention of Chalcography, by some remarks
upon the early use of Engraving in Wood. In the course of this part
of my work, which T originally hoped to comprize within the limits
of one chapter, I have more than once had occasion to express my
obligations to Mr. Singer, for several pieces of valuable information;
as well as for his liberality in the loan of curious books, and espe-
cially of his copy of the ' Speculum Humance Salvationis,' which through
his kindness I had the opportunity of examining for some months.
It happened that that part of the present Inquiry which treats of
early Wood-Engraving, was finished before Mr. Singer's work was
far advanced; and at his request, a copy of the book, so far printed,
was sent to him for his inspection. I have thought it necessary to
notice this circumstance, in order to account for the mention of
this work in several passages of Mr. Singer's book, Avhich, having
been finally completed before my own, has now been many weeks
in the hands of the public. Mr. Singer, I find, differs with me in
opinion upon several points; but I think, upon the whole, we are
less frequently at variance as to facts than consequences. There
are two or three passages of his work, only, to which I think it
necessary to offer a few words in reply.
Mr. Singer, I find, (p. 87), approves the opinion offered by me
at page 54 of this work, that the silence of Marco Polo in his Tra-
PREFACE.
which I received from him, it would never have been published
at all.
About three years ago, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted
with Mr. S. W. Singer, who was at that time employed in a work
upon the origin and history of Playing-Cards; and it was principally
at the suggestion of that gentleman that I undertook to preface my
Inquiry concerning the Invention of Chalcography, by some remarks
upon the early use of Engraving in Wood. In the course of this part
of my work, which T originally hoped to comprize within the limits
of one chapter, I have more than once had occasion to express my
obligations to Mr. Singer, for several pieces of valuable information;
as well as for his liberality in the loan of curious books, and espe-
cially of his copy of the ' Speculum Humance Salvationis,' which through
his kindness I had the opportunity of examining for some months.
It happened that that part of the present Inquiry which treats of
early Wood-Engraving, was finished before Mr. Singer's work was
far advanced; and at his request, a copy of the book, so far printed,
was sent to him for his inspection. I have thought it necessary to
notice this circumstance, in order to account for the mention of
this work in several passages of Mr. Singer's book, Avhich, having
been finally completed before my own, has now been many weeks
in the hands of the public. Mr. Singer, I find, differs with me in
opinion upon several points; but I think, upon the whole, we are
less frequently at variance as to facts than consequences. There
are two or three passages of his work, only, to which I think it
necessary to offer a few words in reply.
Mr. Singer, I find, (p. 87), approves the opinion offered by me
at page 54 of this work, that the silence of Marco Polo in his Tra-