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A Fortnightly Medium of Intercommunication.

FOR

ARCHÆOLOGISTS, ANTIQUARIANS, NUMISMATISTS, THE
VIRTUOSI, AND COLLECTORS OF ARTICLES OF

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PRINTED BY HEAD, HOLE & CO., FARRINGDON STREET, AND IVY LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

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WE have thought it prudent at the close of the year 1871 to bring to completion the First Volume of "THE ANTIQUARY," so that with the coming year we may begin to turn over a new and, as we desire and hope, a better leaf.

"THE ANTIQUARY" was started to serve as a chronicler of current discoveries of antiquities, and as a medium of intercommunication between Archeologists, Antiquarians, and all persons who take a passing or permanent interest in objects of the past. There was then no periodical existing devoted to these exclusive yet useful purposes, and it was our ambition to supply this long acknowledged deficiency. The wide and distinguished acceptance which "THE ANTIQUARY" has already received during its brief and unobtrusive course affords evidence of the want there was of such a Journal, and that growing favour foretells its future success and extended usefulness the more it becomes generally known.

In May last "THE ANTIQUARY" trustingly commenced its career, and a few months only have sufficed to bring to its support a goodly number of Subscribers and the literary assistance of well-qualified Contributors. To the courage and kindness of the latter gentlemen in advancing to the aid of this new venture we are deeply indebted, and take this fitting opportunity of returning our sincere thanks to such friends as Dr. SAMUEL BIRCH, F.S.A., E. H. W. DUNKIN, Esq., J. P. EARWAKER, Esq., A. HALL, Esq., JOHN JEREMIAH, Esq., JOHN PHENÉ, Esq., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., W. WINTERS, Esq., and to those Secretaries of several Learned Societies who have furnished us with Reports of their Proceedings. We also acknowledge the continual promise of early help from other individuals.

This esteemed assistance and encouragement is cheering; and we are further sustained in our endeavours by the fact that the study of Archæology and the culture of Antiquarian tastes is constantly increasing, the signs of which are apparent in the popular interest awakened by the annual meetings of Archæological Societies, by the several movements in behalf of the Conservation of Ancient Monuments, by the Explorations in Palestine, by the approaching Explorations in Rome, and by the increased number of thoughtful visitors to our National and Municipal Museums.

We know that the human mind is adapted to contemplate the Past, as well as the Present and the Future; and that without a knowledge of the Past most of the facts of Present life are incomprehensible; nay, all power of regulating the Future comes from the knowledge of the Present state of things, gained by a knowledge of the Past.

The province of the Antiquarian is the Past-especially the remote Past-extending backwards to the earliest records or to the objects fabricated by man in even pre-historic times. By laborious industry in collecting facts of every kind relating to ancient objects and ancient manners, and by their comparisons, he is able to arrive at general ideas which explain present matters, and may be used by the philosopher for the regulation of the future. It is a law thoroughly established that the best way to attain a perfect knowledge of any subject is by bringing all matters related thereto under consideration, and starting an average or general principle from a consideration of the whole.

The Archeologist and the Antiquarian is not, therefore, the useless person he is sometimes thoughtlessly portrayed, but a valuable contributor to the world's progress.

To record all investigations of an Archæological or Antiquarian nature, and to give facilities. for all inquiries in any way related, has been and is the leading object of "THE ANTIQUARY."

In conclusion, we have only to promise, that with its extended support an increase in the number of its pages and illustrations will immediately follow; and we hope and believe that on so wide and important a field as we have entered, but a comparatively short time is needed. to elapse to necessitate an enlargement of our Publication, to the conduct of which our best abilities and energies are devoted.

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