XLV 
PREFACE. 
The powers of mind,” says the same writer, 
“ displayed in these investigations — the dex- 
terity with which the most abstruse and diffi- 
cult questions are unravelled — the unerring sa- 
gacity with which the operation of general and 
fixed principles is investigated — the skill with 
which they are separated and disentangled 
from such as are of a secondary and accidental 
nature—and the penetration with which their 
remotest consequences are perceived and esti- 
mated — have never been surpassed; and will 
for ever secure the name of Ricardo a high 
and conspicuous place in the list of those, who 
have done most to unfold the complex mecha- 
nism of society, and to carry this science to 
perfection.” 
Conceding that Mr. Ricardo has displayed 
considerable originality and power of intellect, 
we may yet be permitted to doubt, whether this 
splendid eulogium is not far beyond his real de- 
serts. It is not easy to conceive by what process