my share in this little book on voltaire is a very minor one. my old friend and colleague, mr. j. m. wheeler, had written the greater part of the following pages before he brought the enterprise to my attention. i went through his copy with him, and assisted him in making some alterations and additions. i also read the printer’s proofs, and suggested some further improvements—if i may call them so without egotism. this is all i have done. the credit for all the rest belongs to him. my name is placed on the title-page for two reasons. the first is, that i may now, as on other occasions, be associated with a dear friend and colleague in this tribute to voltaire. the second is, that whatever influence i possess may be used in helping this volume to the circulation it deserves.

foote.

november, 1891