This excerpt of the third American edition (with additions and improvements) was published in 1819. The preface states its from the eight British edition. The author, Reverend David Blair, is credited for authoring several other books on grammar and juvenile letters. Blair's work, which only briefly discusses grammar from a broad, and colonial historical perspective, seeks to advance a scientific understanding of many subjects, including the English language. It is Blair's assertion that language instruction should build on and be part of a holistic education that enables the students to better understand all educational subjects. The Universal Preceptor includes chapters on various subjects, including the arts, mathematics, the sciences, government, agriculture, etc. The Schultz Archive only includes a brief excerpt (focusing on geography and grammar), and the scans are not very good quality (but they are legible).