Memorial History, now submitted to the public in these volumes, could appear at no more fitting time than in these closing years Of the Nineteenth Century.

The Memorial History of New York holds a standard place in our literature. Its publishers have accepted the present under taking, and will follow the lines laid down in that sumptuous work.

Guided by that experience, the present history will have features distinct from those in the New York publication. The first volume, which now goes from the press, will be a consecutive narrative of Philadelphia from the earliest to the present time. The second volume will embrace special chapters from writers of learning and eminence, illustrating in detail the rise of the city, what has been done towards free municipal government, the contributions Of Phila delphia to literature, art, religion, finance, and those vast industrial enterprises which command the attention and admiration of the world.

There is no study more instructive than that of the building of a city, - °for the city is an epitome Of national thought and ambition. The chronicles from which have been drawn the sources of this narrative, show that the highest phase of American achievement is expressed in the development of Philadelphia. While we note the splendor, the triumphs, perhaps, likewise the limitations of American character - we see the same principle of religious freedom which came with Penn, the magnanimous philosophy Of Franklin, the philanthropy of Girard, the financial foresight of Biddle - the achievements Of those captains Of industry who are winning victories of peace which add to the renown of the age.

The third volume will be what is called The Family History of Philadelphia. It will present, as far as can be attained, a chrono logical and genealogical table Of every representative family who has resided in Philadelphia since the arrival of Penn. It is proposed to embrace whoever may have attained distinction in any walk Of life professional men, citizens in business, soldiers, those who have received civic and political honors. Great pains have been taken to make this thorough. Available archives, such as are found in our public libraries, historical societies, court registers, church records, have been carefully studied, to the end that the volume may possess entire accuracy. The editor has received from private sources valua ble information, and whatever may contribute to a complete history of the families Of those who have made Philadelphia, will be grate fully received.

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