EXTRACT FROM THE ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION, BY THE SAME. I will be remembered that the Memoirs were composed and formed from six different sketches, and from notes and memoranda on loose unconnected papers and cards, all in Mr Gibbon's handwriting. This new edition of his posthumous works has furnished me with the opportunity of interweaving several additional extracts from the same sources; illustrating and enlarging the Memoirs, where they were most scanty, by notes principally selected from his Journal. To the letters printed in the former edition a considerable number, both from himself and many other distinguished persons, are introduced in the present publication.* In regard to these letters, see preceding remarks of the Editors of the Autobiography. CONTENTS Account and anecdotes of his family South Sea Scheme, and the bill of pains and penalties Character of Mr William Law.... Mr Gibbon's birth; he is put under the care of Mr The author is sent to Dr Wooddeson's school, whence Is entered at Westminster school; is removed on ac- The author determines to write an history; its sub- PAGE and Bayle; their characters-Mr Gibbon obliged to leave Oxford-Farther remarks on the uni- The author is removed to Lausanne, and placed under PAGE Mi Gibbon makes the tour of Switzerland; forms a ...... Some account of mademoiselle Curchod (afterwards ..... Mr Gibbon publishes his first work, 'Essai sur l'Etude The author's manner of passing his time in the Hamp- The author passes some time at Paris, gives an ac- count of the persons with whom he chiefly asso- ciated-Proceeds through Dijon and Besançon to Lausanne; characterises a society there, called La Société du Printems-Becomes acquainted |