SMITH, Adam (1723-1790). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: A. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1793.2 volumes, 8º. (Lacking half-titles, titles to vols. 2-3 with signature torn from upper margin, both upper margins restored, O6 in vol. 2 with small paper fault slightly affecting marginal heading, vol. 3 with stain to quire Bb causing loss to a few letters on Bb4 recto.) Contemporary speckled calf with red morocco spine labels, yellow edges (lightly rubbed, repairs to spines of vols. 2-3 , slight cracking to lower joints of vol. 3). Provenance: Capel Hanbury (contemporary signature at head of title to vol. 3). "Seventh" edition of Smith's great book. First published in 1776, it originated the study of political economy as a separate science, and remained as much a political as an economic authority for future ages. The first statesman to study it carefully was the younger Pitt who applied its principles in the French treaty of 1786, and spoke of it with veneration when introducing his budget on 17 February 1792.