We hold from God the gift which, as far as we are concerned, contains all others, Life - physical, intellectual, and moral life. But life cannot support itself. He who has bestowed it, has entrusted us with the care of supporting it, of developing it, and of perfecting it. To that end, He has provided us with a collection of wonderful faculties; He has plunged us into the midst of a variety of elements. It is by the application of our faculties to these elements, that the phenomena of assimilation and of appropriation, by which life pursues the circle which has been assigned to it, are...

This fascinating work, originally published in 1873, is a thoroughly recommended read for any political economist or historian. A comprehensive and informative look at the subject that was intended to refute some of the arguments urged against the Freedom of Trade at the time of the book s publication. Its 241 pages read as an extended essay written in a personal and engaging style. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern...