The Universal Merchant: Containing the Rationale of Commerce, in Theory and Practice; an Enquiry into the Nature and Genius of Banks, their Power, Use, Influence, and Efficacy; the Establishment and operative Transactions of the Banks of London and Amsterdam, their Capacity and Credit calculated and compared; an Account of the Banks of Hamburgh, Nuremberg, Venice, and Genoa, their Credit and Course of Business; the Doctrine of Bullion and Coins amply discussed; and therefrom the Course and Par of Exchange regularly deduced. Adapted equally to the Use and Information of Gentlemen who propose to make a Figure in Public Affairs, as to the Merchant, Factor, Broker, and Remitter.

First edition of this major book on trade and banking, an important source for Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. "The author, after a general treatise on trade and on wealth, by which is meant not merely gold and silver, the common medium of trade, but a pre-eminence of industry, manufactures, and commerce, enters into an enquiry concerning bullion, after which he considers the nature, operation, and effects of banks in general and in particular. The treatise concludes with 'a further illustration of the business of exchange from the tables of Sir Isaac Newton, with remarks and additions" (Palgrave). Nicolaus Magens was a German merchant who lived for many years in England and gained a great reputation in commercial matters. In the Universal Merchant he showed a deep insight into trade mechanisms, and the work is remarkably rich in references to the most eminent authors of that period, such as Vauban, Ustariz, Child, Locke, Mun, and Graumann. The book was highly appreciated by Adam Smith - the Wealth of Nations contains six substantial direct and indirect references to the Universal Merchant, particularly regarding exchange mechanisms and coin systems. The book was translated from the German by William Horsley, who signs the dedication; no German edition, however, preceded it, making this its first publication. References in Higgs to a Hamburg edition of the same year seem to refer to the edition of Magens's essay on insurance. Amex 287; ESTC T92967; Goldsmiths' 8771; Higgs 479; Hollander 1643; Kress 5283; Wallis 350.3. Quarto (273 x 214 mm). Contemporary calf, rebacked with the original spine laid down, red morocco label and gilt floral device in compartments, double gilt rule to covers, red speckled edges. Contemporary ownership signature to front free endpaper. A little worn, browning from turn-ins to initial and final few leaves, sporadic light spotting. A very good copy.…