JB/030/129/001

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1828 Sept. 28
Blackstone

§ Accusation of error obviated

One thing there is which for his own sake in respect of information
as well as for the sake of the work in respect of the estimation it is had,
In relation to particular parts
in it is altogether necessary the reader should be apprised
of and all along thoroughly aware of. In relation to
to particular points numerous are the errors, some of them questionable, others unquestionable which it would be in the power of any learned gentleman
if to anyone it should seem worthwhile, to put together
and make into a list for the purpose of accusation –
or what would be shorter and more effectual, condemnation.
But numerous and even well grounded it might be
and yet not from without any adequate ground for efficient cause of disparagement
as to the usefulness of the work. Such exposure
is inherent in the very nature and essence of the .
Narrow are the hands within by which the greatest
quantity of letterpress and space that can be allotted to
it are contained circumscribable. Where for the purpose in question
an expression absolutely taken incorrect but for relation had to its purpose
aimed at sufficiently correct occupies but half
an hour to give it perfect correctness might require a
whole page: such would be the space requisite necessary for giving
expression to the requisite distinctions, exceptions, conditions and
modifications.

Moreover the very nature of the field
in, if its subject matter with which it is covered, renders
almost throughout any thing adequately grounded adequate assurance of correctness
absolutely impossible. Yes if the whole matter
of which an account is to be given were in the form of
Statute law: not that even in that case any such adequate
assurance could be afforded by any other words as by
the very words of which it consists.

But to a work vast and altogether indefinite
extent the only form in which the matter of it exists is a
form in which it goes by the name of Common Law, or notwithstanding
the boundless quantity of writing belonging to it – Unwritten
law: and as to this part not only is all adequate assurance of
correctness impossible:
but in a certain sense the
like may be said in
regard to incorrectness.
For incorrectness is misrepresentation:
and this
part not having any determinate
set of words
belonging to it (for in that case it would be Statute law) what is there that can be misrepresented.

Identifier: | JB/030/129/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 30.
Date_1	1828-09-28	Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	030	Main Headings	pannomion
Folio number	129	Info in main headings field	blackstone
Image	001	Titles
Category	text sheet	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	c1
Penner	jeremy bentham	Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	9636
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