WHEREAS several Persons eminent for their Learning and Condition , have frequently and earnestly desired the Undertakers for the Press in Oxford to set upon the Edition of the Greek and Latin Fathers , and other Classical Books , in History , Philology , Mathematics &c. which are some of them out of Print , or sold at great rates ; and some unfaithfully or negligently put out , of which thing the Specimen begun by Dr James as to what concerns the Fathers is a sufficient proof , and of what emprovements even in the Text , Classical books are capable , the late edition of Archimedes his Arenarius , and other Greek and Latin Authors in this place ( if others were wanting ) are a competent evidence : the said Undertakers have endeavoured to justifie their readiness to serve the public , and answer the desires of the friends of Learning , to the utmost herein ; and to that end have furnisht themselves with Types and Letters of all kinds , and whatsoever is necessary to the uses of an Imprimery : and also with no smal charge and pains have made preparation by themselves and friends for several considerable works , such as Annotations on all the Books of the Holy Scriptures . The Coptic Gospels and Liturgies . The ancient Saxon Homilies and Liturgie . The old Latin Writers of the English History hitherto not extant . The Life of King Alfred , giving a full account of the expulsion of the Danes , and establishment of the Saxon Monarchy . A Geographical , Philosophical , and Historical survey of the County of Oxford . Johannes Antiochenus . The Greek Mathematicians . Josephus and others . But having not the advantage by Trade and Exchange to dispose of their Books when Printed ; and Booksellers thinking it not to be their interest to preferr and forward the Sale of any Book , beside their own and fellow Traders ; no Edition of the said Undertakers , of a just Volume , or large Book will ever be sold by them ; and consequently it will be impossible to support the charge of such an attemt and carry it on with vigor and success .

To all which it has bin replied by diverse of the before mentioned favorers of the concerns of Learning , That in this Nation there are certainly five hundred of the Nobility , Gentry , Lawiers , Physicians , and Clergy , who would alwaies be gratified by a fair and accurate Edition of any solid Classical Book , whether Oriental , Greek , Latin , or Modern ; and would not fail to be buyers of it , which would competently secure the charge of an Impression ; so that nothing but the want of proposal and correspondence , hinders the progress of so useful and honourable a designe ; which without hazard or burthen to any Person , would in a short time fix in our Nation the manufacture of Printing in its perfection , with the consequential advantages of Trade ; and restore to the world those Monuments of Antiquity , whereof some are in hazard to be lost ; others not likely to be reprinted , unless happily in little Forms and Letters , which visibly is the fate of the Greek and Latine Historians , and other Classical Books at this time .

The aforesaid Undertakers for the Press upon consideration of the premises , to satisfie the desires of those Worthy Persons who have exprest their concern in this affair ; and also to Vindicate themselves from being wanting to their Trust , and the interests of Learning , do hereby publickly declare ; That whatever Book shall be desired to be publisht , of whatsoever Subject or Language , upon the assurance that when t is finisht 500 Copies will be taken off , shall be Printed on such Paper and Letter , and with such collation of Copies , review and translation of the Text , illustration by Notes , and diligent Correction of the Press , as shall be satisfactory to any judicious Reader ; and then be set at a reasonable and equal price , printed with the Book .

And whereas the design of Dr James is particularly recommended to the said Undertakers , that after a diligent collation of the Text , with those many excellent MS. Copies wherewith they are furnisht , and also the several printed Editions , they would begin with St Cyprian for the Latin Fathers ; and for the Greek in one fair Volume Greek and Latin with S. Clement , Ignatius , Polycarp , Athenagoras , Tatian , Justin M. they hereby signifie their ready assent herein ; and so soon as they shall understand that the aforesaid Books , or either of them , or any other will be acceptable to the before mentioned number of Persons , will without delay set upon the Work , and will afterward go on to such Authors from time to time , as shall desired , and esteemed useful for the Interest of Learning , and the Honor of the Nation . To which end the present proposal is printed , and all persons that approve thereof and will be concerned therein , are desired to signify their pleasures at the foot of the said proposal .