THE ART OF FENCING by MONSIEUR L'ABBAT.

It the year 1734, when this masterpiece of fencing knowledge
was translated into English, the ability to use a sword was one of
the basic skills, along with horsemanship, that a proper gentleman
should know. It was part of military prowess and strength. As so,
when an expert like L’Abbat wrote, it was for generations.

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I thought it very suitable to my Business, when I met
with so good an Author as Monsieur L’Abbat , on the
Art of Fencing, to publish his Rules, which in general,
will I believe be very useful, not only as they may contribute
to the Satisfaction of such Gentlemen as are
already Proficient in the Art, and to the better Discipline
of those who intend to become so, but also in regard that
the Nicety and Exactness of his Rules, for the most Part,
and their great Consistency with Reason, may, and will
in all Probability, lay a regular and good Foundation for
future Masters, who tho’ accustom’d to any particular
Method formerly practiced, may rather choose to proceed
upon the Authority of an excellent Master, than
upon a vain and mistaken Confidence of their own
Perfection, or upon an obstinate Refusal to submit to
Rules founded on, and demonstrated by Reason.