Observations concerning the Distinction of Ranks in Society.

London: Printed by W. and J. Richardson, for John Murray,, 1771. Among the earliest works of empirical sociology First edition of Millar's most important work, one of the earliest and finest examples of an empirical approach to sociology. "Of a remarkably liberal tone, Millar's study of social rank covers class distinction, the history and condition of women, primitive society, and the relationship between parent and child, and master and servant" (German, p. 67). The influence of Montesquieu and, particularly, of Hume's The Populousness of Ancient Nations is evident. Millar was a supporter of the American cause and an opponent of slavery; both feature in the final chapter, "Of the condition of servants in different parts of the world". Born in Lanarkshire the son of the local minister, Millar (1735-1801) "studied law at Glasgow, where he was an intimate of James Watt (1736-1819), the inventor of the steam engine, and where he attended the lectures of Adam Smith. After completion of his studies, Millar spent two years with Lord Kames's family (through whom he met David Hume). Millar became a proponent of Hume's metaphysical doctrine and, though they were politically opposed, Hume placed his nephew under Millar's charge. Adam Smith also showed his esteem by sending his cousin to study under Millar" (ibid.). Quarto (251 x 171 mm). Nineteenth-century black half calf, spine lettered in gilt, marbled sides and edges. 20th-century book label of M. A. Nafe to front pastedown and pencilled ownership signature to front free endpaper, small early ink note of Millar's death to title page and translation of Latin verse on p. 208, minor pencilled annotations to text. Bound without half-title and terminal advertisement leaf. Joints and extremities skilfully restored, light peripheral rubbing, contents a little browned and foxed, slight loss at head of pp. 135/6 not affecting text, slight horizontal crease to terminal leaves. A very good copy. ESTC T100408; Goldsmiths' 10712; Kress 6805; this edition not in Chuo or Jessop. J. S. German, Voices of Scotland: A catalogue of an exhibition of Scottish books and manuscripts from the 15th to the 20th centuries, The Grolier Club 1992.