ADAM SMITH AND MODERN SOCIOLOGY.
Adam Smith and Modern Sociology : a Study in the Methodology of the Social Sciences. By Albion W. Small. (T. Fisher Unwin. -55. 6d. net.)—"An objective Science of Economics without an objective Sociology is as impossible as grammar without language. The present essay attempts to enforce this axiom by /Lung Adam- Smith -as a concrete illustration." This quotation from the preface states very succinctly the object *Mks treatise. Itmight seem to be a work of supererogation to vindicate Adam Smith from the aspersions of those who have written him down as a mere "procurer to men's most sordid lusts." This, we fem., is the worst of political economy in these later days. Most of the American Professors publish their lectures, and possibly in- cautious statements are allowed to go forth. This gives a brother Professor an opportunity, and accordingly we have a volume combating opinions which we do not believe are entertained bj, any intelligent layman. Was there ever a time when "men so focalised the wealth interests that all other interests became relatively invisible " ? And if so, was this the fault of the economists ? More "progressive principles," Mr. Small assures us, are to be found "embedded in Adam Smith's system." "Modern sociology is virtually an attempt to take up the larger programme of social analysis and interpretation which was implicit in Adam Smith's moral philosophy, but which was suppressed for a century by prevailing interest in the technique of the production of wealth." This is a forcing of an open door which we do not believe ever was closed, but which in any case will meet with no opposition from us.
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