He spent much time in quest of knowledge preparative to this work.
PREPAR'ATIVE, n. That which has the power of preparing or previously fitting for a purpose; that which prepares.
Resolvedness in sin can with no reason be imagined a preparative to remission.
1. That which is done to prevent an evil or secure some good.
The miseries we suffer may be preparative of future blessings.
2. Preparation; as, to make the necessary preparatives for a voyage.