XXVI. Mathematical Investigation of the Effect of Machinery on the 

 Wealth of a Community in which it is employed, and on the 

 Fund for the Payment of Wages. By John Tozer, Esq. B.A. 

 of Caitis College. 



[Read May 14, 1838.] 



In the third and fourth Volumes of the Society's Transactions are 

 two papers by Mr Whewell, in which symbolical language is applied 

 to the solution of some problems of Political Economy. In the fol- 

 lowing Paper another problem of the same science is subjected to a 

 similar mode of investigation. 



An opinion has been expressed that the term Political Economy 

 has acquired an extent and a vagueness of meaning which in a high 

 degree unfits it for the purposes of science. Certainlj^ any attempt 

 to apply mathematical reasoning to all the subjects which have by 

 different writers, and at different times, been included in the name, 

 must be altogether unsuccessful. Neither do we possess the data, nor 

 has analysis the powers, necessary to such a task. 



If, however, the investigation of the causes which affect the accu- 

 mulation and distribution of wealth, be kept distinct from any con- 

 siderations as to the effect of that accumulation, or the mode of its 

 distribution on the happiness of mankind, and be also separated from 

 any speculations or deductions as to the nature of those political and 

 social institutions by which these causes may be modified or brought 

 into action ; the science that results, by whatever name it may be 

 called, acquires an almost entirely demonstrative character — becomes a 

 Vol.. VI. Part III. sT 



