King James promptly appointed Petty's friend and admirer Pepys to examine the Treatise[1], but no steps were taken to execute its suggestions, and it was not even printed. The approach of the fatal disease of which Petty died three months later may well have prevented him from publishing the book himself, and when, in the years closely following the Revolution, the Political Arithmetick, the Political Anatomy of Ireland, and the Treatise of Naval Philosophy were finally printed, considerations of political expediency may have conspired with those based on the comparatively unfinished condition of the Treatise to deter his friends from giving it also to the world.
The Treatise is here reprinted from the Southwell or Nelligan MS.[2] whose history has been already traced[3]. Of that MS. it occupies folios 52–129, neatly written in a hand similar to that of the Southwell Political Arithmetick and corrected at a few points by Petty himself.
- ↑ Sr
In my owne Judgement & Conscience, there is Nothing in our Treatise, Not true, not necessary to be considered, & not fitt for ye Kings knowledge, &c. I therefore thanke God, That His Maty appointed you to examine these my Opinions. In which take any Assistance you please whom The King will agre to.2. The Matters pretend good to all ye Kings Subjects & ye Meanes propounded are of an high Extraordinary Nature, & therefore should be exposd to public View; but for this I am not peremptory for ye whole.1. If you cannot understand them alone, They are not fit for ye public but must be made plainer: Neverthelesse, I will attend yor Summons to facilitate this Worke, by saving you ye labor, of turning back to things already provd. I can say no more, but that I amYor most affectionat humble Servant
Wm. Petty.
I have not broke yor seale.
Autograph letter, endorsed, "Septr 8th 1687. Sr Wm Petty to Mr Pepys. Accompanying a 2d time his political Papers abt Ireland for a review." Rawlinson MS. A 189, f. 19, Bodleian Library. - ↑ Brit. Mus. Addl. MS. 21,128.
- ↑ P. 236, cf. p. 123.
pleasd to have those Matters to be discussd & published, is beyond my Reach, Those onely can advise me who converse much with him: I am sure I meene well, but that may not be enough for
Your affctte and humble servt
Wm. Petty.
Autograph letter, endorsed, "Septr 4th, 1687. Sr Wm Petty to Mr Pepys. Upon his Political Papers & Calculacions relateing to Ireland, & ye Improvement thereof." Rawlinson MS. A. 189, f. 17, Bodleian Library.
Piccadilly 8° Septemb. 87.
