THE ORIGIN

OF THE

DISTINCTION OF RANKS.

INTRODUCTION.

T HOSE who have examined the maimer*and cnitoms of nations have had chiefly twoobjefts in view. By obferving the fyflems of laweffablifhed in different parts of the world, and byremarking the confequenees with which they areattended , men have endeavoured to reap ad-vantage from the experience of others, and tomake a feleflion of fuch inftitutions and modesof government as appear molt worthy of beingadopted.

To inveftigate the canfes of different ufages hasbeen likewife efteemed an ufeful as well as anentertaining fpeculation. When we contemplatethe amazing diverfity to be found in the laws ofdifferent countries , and even of the fame countryat different periods, our curiofity is naturally ex-cited to inquire in what manner mankind havebeen led to embrace fuch different rules of condufl:;and at the fame time it is evident, that, unlefswe are acquainted with the circumftances which

R