matter, leaving abstract speculations on the early origin of our laws, old and obsolete enactments, and any discussion thereon, as an after-study for the student; for when he is well grounded in the fundamental principles of English Law and of our Constitution, antiquarian research will then be a source of infinite pleasure to him, instead of a hindrance and a drawback. In order to fix the attention of the student by exciting thought, I have adopted the interrogatory system; and for facility of reference, have divided the work into Four Books, each Book embracing all the legal points and practical information contained in the respective four volumes of Blackstone as originally written, supplemented by subsequent statutory enactments and important legal decisions. The changes that have taken place in English jurisprudence are concisely explained; and the jurisdiction of our Courts of Law, which has been lately modified and much enlarged, is carefully noted, so as to render BLACKSTONE ECONOMIZED a solid foundation on which the student may build a legal edifice. If I have succeeded in placing before students preparing for the Legal Profession an elementary work of utility, I shall deem myself well rewarded for the leisure hours of years which I have bestowed upon it; and I sincerely trust that it will aid them in prosecuting a profession which, when followed with dignity and sincerity, is as ennobling as it is useful and advantageous; a profession which, when guided by the conscientiousness of DUTY, elevates man to the highest position that honourable ambition can attain. I also trust that the present work may be, from its practical nature, useful to all interested in the study of English law, which ought to be universal; for it is an undeniable fact that a knowledge of the laws of that society in which we live is not only a desirable, but a useful accomplishment; indeed, an essential part of a liberal and polite education; and it is an equally established fact, that the study of the science of law is the best kind of mental training, conducing to logical precision of thought, to accuracy of language, and to vigour of the reasoning faculty. I must here acknowledge the kind suggestions I received, when I began this work of labour and of love, from my dear departed friend, John Grady, Esq., of the Middle Temple; and to my esteemed friend, William Heath Bennet, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, a gentleman of large experience as a practising barrister, I am also indebted for a careful revision of the whole work as it passed through the press. 3, PUMP COURT, TEMPLE. January 1, 1873. DAVID MITCHELL AIRD. the Public and Private Lectures of the Inns of Court. of ignorance of the Laws by which we are governed.- CHAPTER II.-The Nature of Laws in General. Law, and the foundations upon which all human laws depend. -The Law of Nature; Revealed Law; the Law of Nations; and Municipal Law explained.The Origin and Forms of Government.- -The Duties of Government.- Boundaries of Right and Wrong, and the method the Law takes to command the one and prohibit the other.- -The Law which are the universal rule of the whole kingdom, and form the Common Law in its stricter and more usual signification.- -Particular Customs, which for the most part affect only the inhabitants of particular dis- tricts.- -Rules with regard to particular Customs.- How Customs are construed. The Civil Law. -The Canon Law.— -Courts in which the Civil or Canon CHAPTER IV.-Statute Law-The "Leges Scriptæ," or Public Statutes.-Private Statutes.- -Statutes declara- tory of the Common Law.-Remedial Statutes made to ... England and Scotland.- -Municipal Laws of Scotland to ... The "Rights" that are commanded and the "Wrongs" that Losing them.Private Wrongs, or civil injuries, with |