The most memorable lines from my first read of this smart work are from the second sermon, first page, quoted as follows: "A man can as little doubt whether his eyes were given him to see with, as he can doubt of the truth of the science of optics deduced from ocular experiments. And allowing the inward feeling, shame, a man can as little doubt whether it was given him to prevent his doing shameful actions, as he can doubt whether his eyes were given him to guide his steps. And as to these inward feelings themselves - that they are real..."

This book is good for a quick reference. It is filled with sketches that are grouped into categories (chairs, tables, beds).
It can help you identify the style of a piece of furntiture, but doesn't help authenticating the piece.

Excellent and easy to use reference book, illustrates styles in thier purest form. Does not treat the subject of authenticity but notes characteristics and idiosyncracies of various examples.

I ordered _Human Nature_ etc. hoping it was a reprint of Butler's _Fifteen Sermons Preached at Rolls Chapel_ under a different title. But it is abridged, and peculiarly edited. Unfortunately, I did not think of doing a review before I returned the book, and consequently did not make notes, so I cannot say which sermons were lacking, or what were the oddities I noted. But most readers will be happier with _Five Sermons_ published by Hackett, which is half the price.