PREFACE v

I have read many authors on the{ubjefl of politicaleconomy. and| have endeavoured to draw fromthem all the infiruction| could. I have travelled,for many years, through different countries, andhave examined them, conftantly, with an eye tomyown{ubject. 1 have attempted to draw informationfrom every one with whom Ihave been acquainted:this, however, I found to be very difficult before Ihad attained to fome previous knowledge of myfubject. Such difficulties confirmed to me thejuitaefs of Lord Bacon 's remark, that he who knowshow to draw information by forming proper quef«tions, is already poflefled of half the fcience*.

I could form no confiftent plan from the varionsopiniuus Imet with: hence I was engaged to compilethe obfervations I had cafually made, in the courfeof my travels, reading, and experionce. From thefeI formed the following work, after expunging thenumberlefs inconfiftencies and contradi€tions whichI found had arifen from my feparate inquiries intoevery particular branch.

I had obferved fo many perfons declining inknowledge as they advanced in years, that[ refcivedearly to throw upon paper whatever| had learned;and to this I ufed to have recourfe, as others have totheir memoiies. The unity of the objed of all my{peculations, rendered this praflice more ufeful to

* Prudens interrogatio, dimidium[iiensia.

a