Synopses & Reviews
Reflecting Adam Smith's wide learning and varied interests, these essays shed considerable light on his place in the Scottish Enlightenment. Included are histories of astronomy, ancient logic, and ancient physics; essays on the "imitative" arts and the affinity between music, dancing, and poetry; and a critical review of Samuel Johnson's famous Dictionary, which Smith originally published in the Edinburgh Review (1755-1756).
Table of Contents
Key to Abbreviations and References viii
General Introduction, by D.D. Raphael and A.S. Skinner I
Works edited and introduced by W.P.D. Wightman
Introduction 5
The History of Astronomy 33
The History of Ancient Physics 106
The History of the Ancient Logics and Metaphysics 118
Introduction 133
Of the External Senses 135
Introduction 171
Of the Nature of that Imitation which takes place in what are called The Imitative Arts 176
Of the Affinity between Music, Dancing, and Poetry 210
Works edited and introduced by J.C. Bryce
Introduction 217
Of the Affinity between certain English and Italian Verses 220
Introduction 229
Contributions to the Edinburgh Review of 1755-56
Review of Johnson's Dictionary 232
A Letter to the Authors of the Edinburgh Review 242
Appendix: Passages quoted from Rousseau 255
Introduction 259
Preface and Dedication to William Hamilton's Poems on Several Occasions 261
Work edited and introduced by I.S. Ross
Introduction 265
Dugald Stewart: Account of the Life and Writings of Adam Smith, LL.D. 269
Index of Persons 353