1806 Very Rare Antique TREATISE ON INDIGENCE Colquhoun Royal Statistics Society

A rare "working copy" from the ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY for their own fellows purposes, as an aid to their important work (adding to the books rich history). Typically bound in their own covers, with a beautiful leather spine and gilt stamp. There is also an interesting inscription at the front of the book (page detached): Presented to the Statistical Society of London by'J Colquhoun' (son of Author). St James's Place London 1834.

This copy rarely comes up for sale. Please message me to discuss condition, or for further images.

Seminal work on poverty and pauperism, in which Colquhoun notably drew a line of distinction between poverty and'indigence'. In this book, Colquhoun provides a comprehensive examination of the effects of poverty and indigence on society and outlines the resources available to combat them. Written in the late 18th century, this book remains a seminal work in the field of social welfare. Patrick Colquhoun was a Scottish merchant, statistician and magistrate who was responsible for founding the first regular preventative police force in England, known as Thames River Police.

His work is credit as an important precursor to the'new' police founded by Robert Peel. Colquhoun published twenty four different treatise regarding a variety of social issues and concerns, with this work'A Treatise on Indigence' being one of the most significant. The work details the social issues of poverty and pauperism in relation to crime, with accompanying advice and information regarding his suggested solution to each issue. An influential treatise written by an important figure in police reformation.

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