DEAR BROTHER, I have often been surprised that Mathematics, the quintessence
of Truth, should have found admirers so few and so languid. Frequent
consideration and minute scrutiny have at length unravelled the cause; viz. that
though Reason is feasted, Imagination is starved; whilst Reason is luxuriating
in its proper Paradise, Imagination is wearily travelling on a dreary desert. To
assist Reason by the stimulus of Imagination is the design of the following
production. In the execution of it much may be objectionable. The verse
(particularly in the introduction of the ode) may be accused of unwarrantable
liberties, but they are liberties equally homogeneal with the exactness of
Mathematical disquisition, and the boldness of Pindaric daring. I have three
strong champions to defend me against the attacks of Criticism: the Novelty, the
Difficulty, and the Utility of the work. I may justly plume myself that I first
have drawn the nymph Mathesis from the visionary
caves of abstracted idea, and caused her
to unite with Harmony. The first-born of this Union I now present to you; with
interested motives indeed--as I expect to receive in return the more valuable
offspring of your Muse. Thine Ever S.T.C.