SMITH, Adam [1723-1790] An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (3 vols.), the third edition with additions, Printed by W. Strahan; and T.Cadell, London, 1784, vol. one signed 'John Thompson' contemporary plain calf, worn This foundation text on modern economics was first published in 1776 and five editions appeared in the authors lifetime. Provenance: Dawesfield House, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA Lots 92 - 175 form part of the original contents of Dawesfield, Lewis Lane, Ambler, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania - an iconic American farmhouse built by Abraham Dawes and by descent through generations of the female line. It served as the Revolutionary Headquarters of General George Washington from 20th October until 2nd November, 1777. The books (lots 133 - 160) are from the personal library of Dr. Thomas Chalkey James (1766 - 1835) who was married to Hannah née Morris. Dr James was a Philadelphia physician and joined the staff of Pennsylvania hospital. In 1810 he was elected professor of midwifery at the University of Pennsylvania. He favoured being part of the intellectual and scientific life of Philadelphia, Dr James was a member of the American Philosophical Society, the librarian of the College of Physicians and a founder of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is known that he preferred a quiet literary life at Dawesfield, which is witnessed by the categories of the books that were housed in the library.