The utility of a general index, to so mixt a work as the Gentleman’s Magazine, when by the indulgence of the publick it has increased to above twenty volumes, is too evident to be questioned; and we therefore hope that we are now making some return to our friends, however unequal, for the favours which we have received; for not to be able to find what we know to be in our possession, is a more vexatious circumstance than the mere want of what we have neglected to procure.

But this index will not only assist the forgetful and direct the inquisitive; it will enable those who read for higher purposes than mere amusement, to class many subjects which our extensive plan has included, and to bring together much useful knowledge in theology, morality, politics, commerce, mathematicks and philosophy.

By this index our historical chronicle may be reduced to the most regular, as it has recorded the most authentic account of all the publick events that have happened during the reign of his present majesty; of these events the chain will be unbroken, and the chronology perfect; nor is there any period in which publick events have been more numerous or more important. For since the commencement of our volumes two wars by which almost all the known world was in some degree affected, have been begun and concluded.1 The views, the powers, and the interest of every state in Europe have been necessarily discovered, by the part which they appear to have taken in the quarrel, the changes which they have suffered in the contest, and the obligations they have incurred by treaty. With respect to our own country, the deep and extensive designs of a statesman, as able perhaps as any that ever existed, and the opposition that was inflexibly maintained against him, have produced such a series of argumentation as has comprized all political science, and ascertained the right of the crown and the privileges of the people, so as for ever to prevent their being confounded in the cause either of tyranny or of faction.2 This period will be render’d still more remarkable in English history by a rebellion, which was not less contemptible in its beginning than threatening in its progress and consequences; but which, through the favour of providence, was crushed at once, when our enemies abroad had the highest expectations from it, and has contributed to our greater security.3

By the list of names, which in this work are alphabetically digested, all the changes which have been produced in every family, that is not too obscure to raise curiosity, may be traced either by marriages, births, deaths, or promotion, with ease and perspicuity. The general index to the books, is a complete catalogue of the books and pamphlets that have been publish’d during the last twenty years, and this will be thought of yet greater utility by the literati, when they are informed that by turning to the volume in which any book is registered they will be able to find the original price, and the name of the person for whom it was printed, for when this is not known, the booksellers themselves frequently find it difficult to execute the orders of their correspondents.

But this index, tho’ it was principally intended for those who have compleat setts of the magazine, may yet be of great advantage to others. The larger figures shew the volume, and correspond with the last figures in the date of the year.4 As this will be easily remember’d, the time of any remarkable event of whatever kind may be nearly ascertained: for the event being found in the index, the year will be known by the number of the vol. referred to, and as every month contains about 50 pages, by noting the number of the page, the month may also be guess’d with a good degree of accuracy; it will therefore be as useful a common-place book5 for these purposes as any extant. As to the work itself it is an index, and to the perfection of an index little more is necessary than can be produced by diligence and labour; we may therefore affirm without the imputation of vanity, that we know of but one way by which it can be improved, the communication of such errors as shall be found upon inspection, by those to whom it owes its existence; a favour which we earnestly request, and shall study to deserve.

The Miscellaneous Correspondence, consisting of pieces sent for the magazine, an index to it is annexed at the desire of some contributors.6