PBA Galleries

Includes:

• Bentham, Jeremy. Defence of Economy Against the Right Hon. George Rose. [281]-332 pp. (8vo) disbound. London, 1817. Apparently an offprint or extract from the 'Pamphleteer' Vol. X, No. XX . Bentham was one of the most influential utilitarians, partially through his writings but particularly through his students all around the world. These included his secretary and collaborator on the utilitarian school of philosophy James Mill, James Mill's son John Stuart Mill, several political leaders, and Robert Owen, who later became a founder of socialism. Bentham argued in favor of individual and economic freedom, including the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, equal rights for women, animal rights, the end of slavery, the abolition of physical punishment (including that of children), the right to divorce, free trade, the defence of usury, and the decriminalization of sodomy. He supported inheritance tax, restrictions on monopoly power, pensions, and health insurance.
• Owen, Robert. Observations on the Effect of the Manufacturing System: With Hints for the Improvement of Those Parts of it Which are Most Injurious to Health and Morals. Dedicated most Respectfully to the British Legislature. The Third Edition. [253]-264 pp. Apparently an offprint or extract from the 'Pamphleteer' Vol. XI, No. XXI. [1818]. Robert Owen argues against some moral evils that are now promoted by the industrial economy in Britain, and includes his legislative proposals to limit the work day and prevent children under the age of 12 from working in mills and otherwise.