31 OCTOBER 1829, Page 11

COMMERCE.

MAccueeocis, the eminent economist, has announced a work of great interest, and the want of which has long been felt,—a complete Dictionary of Commerce. There have been several works on the sub- ject abroad; and among others, there was one projected by the Abb6 MORELLET, the prospectus of which filled a decent octavo. Among ourselves, there is 130sTLETriwAIT's, which mav still be seen on the book-stalls ; Rolor's, which was honoured with a preface by JOHN- SON ; and inure recently MORTINIERs. None of these, however, are complete ; while all of them contain an immense quantity of matter very slightly if at all connected with the subject which thy profess to discuss. No man of the present day is better qualilled, by previous studies and indefatigable industry of research, to compile a valuable work on commerce, than Mr. MAccoLLocu ; and we are not at all surprised to learn that the project ed Dictionary Neill COIlle forth under the very highest commercial patronage. We are happy to find the gentlemen connected with the London University exerting themselves in such a way. The Professor is not, nor must be, a mere teacher; he ought to be capable of originating as well as of committee:dines As JOHNSON'S Preface to RoLT is little known, and immediately con- nected with tile snbject of Mr. IMAccueLocas announcement, an ex- tract from it may not be unacceptable.

" There is no man who is not in some degree a merchant; who has not something to buy, and something to sell; and who does not, therefore, want such instructions as may teach him the true value of possessions or com- modities.

" The descriptions of the productions of the earth and water which this volume will contain, may he equally pleasing and useful to the specelatist with any other natural history ; and the accounts of various manufactores will constitute no contemptible body of experimental philosophy. The de- scription of ports and cities may instruct the geographer, as well as if they were found in hooks appropriated only to his own science ; and tile doctriees

of funds, insurances, currency, monopolies, exchanges, plid clot ies, is ne- Cessary to the politician, that without it he can be of no use either in the Council or in the Senate, nor can speak or think justly either on war or trade."