Preface — To the Tenth Edition
In the revision of this well-known work I have held my hand, rather than the contrary, trying to bear always in mind that it was the hand-book of Mr. Charles Boutell and not a production of my own. My alterations have been concerned chiefly in bringing the volume up to date, a necessity imposed by the creation of new orders of knighthood, and change of Sovereign. I have certainly omitted a few remarks which I have thought might be the cause of leading students of the science astray: I have altered ambiguous wording to emphasise the real, and I have no doubt the originally intended meaning. But in many points which, being deductions, are naturally matters of opinion, I have left herein various expressions of Mr. Boutell’s opinion, with which I can hardly say I personally altogether agree or would myself put forward. I hold that it is no part of an editor’s duty to air his own opinions under the protection or repute of another’s name, and herein I have inserted nothing for which my own opinion is the only authority.
A. C. FOX-DAVIES.
Lincoln’s Inn, June 1908.