Riddle J.E. A Complete English-Latin Dictionary, for the Use of Colleges and Schools

London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1838. — 312 p.Be patient, says an Eastern proverb, and the mulberry-leaf will become satin. The Author of this Volume fears that he has severely exercised the patience of many persons by whom its announcement was favourably received. He is not bold enough to apply the latter portion of the proverb to the quality of his work ; but he fearlessly asserts that his own patience has been the most severely taxed, and he trusts that the arduous nature of his task will be deemed a sufficient excuse for the delay which has taken place. None of the English-Latin Dictionaries extant could be fitly adopted as the basis of the new one. The plan of these works is so imperfect, and their Latin is of such doubtful quality, and often so decidedly bad, that they would have served rather to embarrass than to assist the present undertaking This volume is, in fact, quite independent of its unsatisfactory predecessors. It has been composed with the aid of good Dictionaries of the English language, Latin-English Lexicons and Dictionaries, with reference to classical authorities, and Dictionaries in foreign languages. The work is, at last, complete. The task of composing it has been wearisome as well as long. Let scholars and students treat the whole book according to their estimation of its worth. The Author desires most devoutly to express his gratitude to the Giver- of all Good, who has supplied him with health and strength during the period of nearly ten years in which the work of Latin Lexicography has been upon his hands. In dependence on the same Divine Providence, he devotes himself henceforth to labours purely theological and pastoral, such as are more congenial to his taste, and more strictly in accordance with his duty.