[Footnote 187: The writers of the Modern Universal History
(vols. i. and ii.) have compiled, in 850 folio pages, the
life of Mahomet and the annals of the caliphs. They enjoyed
the advantage of reading, and sometimes correcting, the
Arabic text; yet, notwithstanding their high-sounding
boasts, I cannot find, after the conclusion of my work, that
they have afforded me much (if any) additional information.
The dull mass is not quickened by a spark of philosophy or
taste; and the compilers indulge the criticism of
acrimonious bigotry against Boulainvilliers, Sale, Gagnier,
and all who have treated Mahomet with favor, or even
justice.]