An Introduction to Merchandise: containing, a complete system of arithmetic, a system of algebra, forms and manner of transacting bills of exchange, book-keeping in various forms, an account of the trade of Great Britain, and the laws and practices relating to sale, factorage, insurance, shipping, &c. Second edition, corrected and revised.

HAMILTON, Robert.

Published by Edinburgh and London: Charles Elliott; C. Elliott, T. Kay, and Co., 1788

About this Item

Second, corrected and revised edition of this famous work by the Scottish political economist and mathematician. Hamilton (1743-1829) was born in Edinburgh and his working life began as a clerk with a firm of bankers, during which period he, with other literary and political enthusiasts, formed the Speculative Society. In 1769 he became rector of Perth Academy and it was there that he published the first edition of this book in two volumes, 1777-79. It is the present corrected edition, however, that Bywater and Yamey, Historic Accounting Literature, chose to write a chapter on, where they fully describe its contents, innovations and importance. "A relatively small number of books indicated how accounting arrangements, by double entry or otherwise, could be adapted to the recording of farming operations, whether on a large scale or small, or to manufacturing operations. Hamilton's Introduction to merchandise. 1788, about half of which is given to 'Italian Bookkeeping', has short chapters on the accounts of tradesmen (that is 'artificers and manufacturers'), of land stewards and of farmers". Yamey, Introduction to ICAEW, p. xix. Herwood 236; ICAEW, p. 140; Kress B.1427. See Bywater & Yamey, p. 185ff. Octavo in 4s (212 x 128 mm), pp. vii, [1 blank], 544, 19, [1 blank], [4 (advertisements)]. Contemporary tree calf, flat spine ruled gilt, gilt-lettered red morocco spine label. Extremities very lightly rubbed. Occasional light foxing, one blank corner torn away; a very good, clean copy.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Introduction to Merchandise: containing, a complete system of arithmetic, a system of algebra, forms and manner of transacting bills of exchange, book-keeping in various forms, an account of the trade of Great Britain, and the laws and practices relating to sale, factorage, insurance, shipping, &c. Second edition, corrected and revised.
• Publisher: Edinburgh and London: Charles Elliott; C. Elliott, T. Kay, and Co., 1788