This translation of Cosmos was undertaken in compliance with the wish of Baron von Humboldt. The Editor, in common he believes with many others, is indebted to the earlier writings of the Author of Cosmos, for awakening in his mind a taste for pursuits, which have formed a large portion of his interest and added greatly to his enjoyment in life: long cherished feelings of gratitude for this obligation, combined with those of personal regard, have been motives with himself, and with Mrs. Sabine,—by whom the Translation has been made,—to surmount the hesitation which they might otherwise have felt in venturing on a task embracing so extensive a range of subjects. Should this translation be favourably received, it will be a great gratification to them hereafter to reflect, that they have been instrumental in making known to the English reader, the work in which the illustrious Author has embodied the fruits of his active and useful life.

The two introductory discourses, which occupy 48 pages in the German edition, have been rewritten by M. de Humboldt himself in the French language, for the French edition, in which they fill 78 pages. These were communicated to the Editor in their passage through the press, and by the Author's desire have been followed in preference to the corresponding portion of the German text, where modifications or additions had been introduced.