National Economy cannot always assume that his classes are already familiar with the conception of the state in its full significance. On the other hand, in the closing chapters, what the theological controversialists used to call "the present truth" has been stated and defended with a fulness which would ordinarily be needless in a text-book, and it is suggested that in the use of those chapters a selection be made, and the rest omitted. But it is believed that nothing has been inserted, and it is hoped that nothing has been omitted, whose insertion or omission will interfere with either purpose of the book. The form of the book is entirely different from the ordinary arrangement under the three rubrics, "Production, Distribution and Consumption." The method pursued of itself excludes that artificial and symmetrical distribution of its parts. which the author believes-sacrifices life and reality to system. Whatever interest or other merits the book possesses it owes to the method which underlies its construction. In so far as the author has succeeded in being faithful to that method, he must have succeeded also in showing that this science is not one that is " up in the clouds," but one that touches on human life and the world's history at all points. The author has had access to the library of the late Stephen Colwell, Esq., now in possession of the University, and only regrets that he has not been able to use its treasures more freely. It contains some eight thousand books and pamphlets, whose collection occupied Mr. Colwell's leisure till his death in 1869, and it embraces nearly every important book, periodical or pamphlet on the subject, that had appeared in the English, French or Italian languages, besides a large number in German and Spanish. ✔ Of the books that the author has drawn upon, the writings of Mr. Henry C. Carey hold the first place. Then come those of his school-Dr. Wm. Elder, Hon. E. Peshine Smith (especially in chapter III.), Dr. E. Dühring (chapter I.) and Stephen Colwell (chapter VIII.). Free use has also been made of the writings of Sir Henry S. Maine and Rev. E. Mulford (chapter II.), W. R. Greg (chapter IV.), Cliffe Leslie, Maine, and E. Laveleye (chapter V.), W. T. Thornton (chapter VII.), R. H. Patterson (chapter VIII,), J. Noble (chapter IX.), and Edward Young (chapter XII.). Other authorities are specified in the notes appended to various paragraphs. For the correction of many small and some large errors, and for suggestions which have contributed to whatever completeness of discussion or other merits the book possesses, the author is greatly indebted to the kindness of Cyrus Elder, Esq., of Johnstown, to Joseph Wharton, Esq., and especially to his friend Wharton Barker, Esq., to whose encouragement this book owes its existence. University of Pennsylvania. |