-----
The editor has endeavoured to include all of Petty's published writings which bear upon economic or statistical subjects. The Observations upon the Bills of Mortality of London, though they probably were not written by Petty, are also reprinted — not less on account of their intrinsic merits than because of their close connection with his ac knowledged works. The text selected for reproduction is, in each case, that of the best published edition, and the original paging is indicated in the margin. By good fortune authentic manuscripts Of several of the works are still pre served, and their readings, given in the foot-notes, make a number Of passages clear which, as heretofore printed, were confusing or absurd. One considerable tract, the Treatise of Ireland, and a few fragments, are added from manuscripts hitherto unpublished.
{{comment.content}}