The great labour is yet to come, the labour of interpreting these words and phrases with brevity, fulness, and perspicuity; a task of which the extent and intricacy is sufficiently shown by the miscarriage of those who have generally attempted it. This difficulty is increased by the necessity of explaining the words in the same language; for there is often only one word for one idea; and though it be easy to translate the words _bright, sweet, salt, bitter_, into another language, it is not easy to explain them.
With regard to the interpretation, many other questions have required consideration. It was some time doubted whether it be necessary to explain the things implied by particular words; as under the term _baronet_, whether, instead of this explanation, _a title of honour next in degree to that of baron_, it would be better to mention more particularly the creation, privileges, and rank of baronets; and whether, under the word _barometer_, instead of being satisfied with observing that it is _an instrument to discover the weight of the air_, it would be fit to spend a few lines upon its invention, construction, and principles. It is not to be expected, that with the explanation of the one the herald should be satisfied, or the philosopher with that of the other; but since it will be required by common readers, that the explications should be sufficient for common use; and since, without some attention to such demands, the Dictionary cannot become generally valuable, I have determined to consult the best writers for explanations real as well as verbal; and, perhaps, I may at last have reason to say, after one of the augmenters of Furetier, that my book is more learned than its author.
In explaining the general and popular language, it seems necessary to sort the several senses of each word, and to exhibit first its natural and primitive signification; as,
To _arrive_, to reach the shore in a voyage: he _arrived_ at a safe harbour.
Then to give its consequential meaning, to _arrive_, to reach any place, whether by land or sea; as, he _arrived_ at his country-seat.
Then its metaphorical sense, to obtain any thing desired; as, he _arrived_ at a peerage.
Then to mention any observation that arises from the comparison of one meaning with another; as, it may be remarked of the word _arrive_, that, in consequence of its original and etymological sense, it cannot be properly applied but to words signifying something desirable; thus we say, a man _arrived_ at happiness; but cannot say, without a mixture of irony, he _arrived_ at misery.