Author
William Petty
1623-1687
William Petty (1623-1687) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by William Petty
Essays on Mankind and Political Arithmetic
"Essays on Mankind and Political Arithmetic" by Sir William Petty is a collection of essays reflecting on demographic studies, economics, and societal observations written during the late 17th century. The work aims to explore the relationships between population growth, urban development, and the economic implications of these factors, addressing the social and political questions of Petty's time as he investigates the growth of cities like London compared to others such as Paris and Rome. The opening portion of the text provides an extensive introduction to Sir William Petty's life and intellectual contributions, detailing his educational journey, inventions, and his role in the advancement of political arithmetic. It elaborates on the importance of population statistics, particularly focusing on London’s growth amidst challenging conditions such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire. The text outlines Petty’s methods for estimating populations, highlighting his innovative approach to data collection and analysis, which included using burial records and tax information. Additionally, it hints at his inquiries into the value of human life in economic terms, setting the stage for deeper discussions in the subsequent essays on political arithmetic.
A Treatise of Taxes and Contributions Shewing the nature and measures of crown-lands, assessements, customs, poll-moneys, lotteries, benevolence, penalties, monopolies, offices, tythes, raising of coins, harth-money, excize, &c.; with several intersperst discourses and digressions concerning warres, the church, universities, rents & purchases, usury & exchange, banks & lombards, registries for conveyances, beggars, ensurance, exportation of money [&] wool, free-ports, coins, housing, liberty of conscience, &c.; the same being frequently applied to the present state and affairs of Ireland.
"A Treatise of Taxes and Contributions" by Sir William Petty is a historical treatise written in the 17th century. This work delves into the nature and structure of taxes and contributions within the context of the economy and governance of England and Ireland. It examines various fiscal mechanisms, including land tax, customs, excise, and state expenditures, while also discussing the socio-political implications of taxation. The opening of the treatise introduces the author's perspective on the necessity of tax regulation, especially in Ireland, which was under English governance at the time. Petty describes the fiscal burdens a military presence imposes on a vulnerable populace and suggests regulatory reforms for parish structures. He emphasizes the need for understanding the economic exchanges and wealth distribution to ameliorate the conditions affecting taxation and public policy, thereby establishing a foundation for his subsequent arguments regarding efficient tax structures and public funding. The preface reveals Petty's intentions to provide a comprehensive assessment that may contribute to the efficiently of governance and the welfare of the populace, particularly in the context of Irish stability.