Pantology: Or, A Systematic Survey of Human Knowledge; Proposing a Classification of All Its Branches and Illustrating Their History, Relations, Uses, and Objects; with a Synopsis of Their Leading Facts and Principles; and a Select Catalogue of Books on All Subjects, Suitable for a Cabinet Library

"The present work is offered, as a guide book, to those who are seeking to explore the vast expanse of human knowledge. It aspires to be to Pantology, or knowledge in general, what a map of the world is to Geography: an outline, and nothing more: but such an outline as may be serviceable to all who are seeking to acquire general views of this wide region; by showing, however imperfectly, the relations of its parts, and their comparative extent and importance. The primary object of the following pages, was to present a Natural Classification of human knowledge, so full as to furnish a place for every topic of thought, and so simple that it might be of general and practical application. But while proposing a classification of Human Knowledge, it seemed to the writer that its value would be greatly enhanced, and better appreciated, if connected with a brief summary of the knowledge which it was proposed to classify. The attempt has therefore here been made, to present such leading ideas of each branch, as would give just views of its nature, extent, and relative importance; thus in some degree gratifying curiosity, while stimulating it to farther inquiries. Conscious, however, of the imperfect manner in which this has been done, the writer has appended a bibliographical catalogue, drawn up with great care, and referring to a few of the best authors, as far as he could ascertain, in each branch of knowledge; whose works, if carefully perused, will amply supply any deficiencies, and correct any occasional faults or errors in this. It is hoped that such a catalogue, however incomplete, from the very nature of the undertaking, may be of real assistance to those who are seeking the best books, either to read or to purchase, for themselves or for Libraries. Although this work is especially intended for advanced Students, who are about leaving our Colleges, Academies, or Schools, it seeks also to be useful, even to those who have entered the full career of life; by recalling elementary facts, and adding such reflections on the various topics glanced over, as will impress them most strongly upon the mind"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).