TO THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH STORY, LL. D. ONE OF THE JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE FIRST CIRCUIT. DEAR SIR: IN dedicating this work to you, I make the spontaneous though inconsiderable offering, of a grateful heart, for the many services which your distinguished labours in legal science have conferred on me, in common with all who have noted the progress of philosophical jurisprudence in our country. It has often been remarked, that every subject has its peculiar science; and no one better knows the fact than yourself; as also, that the art of study may be greatly assisted, by imparting to it the portion of philosophy which really belongs to it. The life of iv all study is method; next to which is a judicious selection of the various sources of knowledge. These are truths familiar to you, who have explored every department of that great science which it is the main object of the following pages, not to teach, but to point out the method of acquiring. I pray you, sir, to accept this dedication as a feeble testimony of the sincere respect, and great admiration in which an able lawyer, an eminent judge, a valuable citizen, and, above all, the most amiable private worth, are held by Dear sir, your most obedient, And very humble servant, DAVID HOFFMAN. BALTIMORE, March, 1836. |