An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Oeconomy (Vol. 1 of 2) Being an essay on the science of domestic policy in free nations. In which are particularly considered population, agriculture, trade, industry, money, coin, interest, circulation, banks, exchange, public credit, and taxes

"An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Oeconomy (Vol. 1 of 2)" by Sir James Steuart is an extensive, carefully researched effort to define the foundational rules of economics for countries, mainly dealing with internal affairs, such as people, farming, commerce, and money. The author wants to explain how different parts of the economy connect and affect each other so leaders can understand the consequences of their decisions for the public. An introduction reveals the author’s modest concern about the book’s wide range, especially when compared to his skills. He talks about his years of learning and traveling, noting how different cultures change economic policy. Steuart hopes to objectively gather these observations, laying a foundation for future academics to expand upon, as early sections examine how population and agricultural methods relate, emphasizing how important it is to have enough food to support a thriving society.