The writings of Dr. Franklin need no other preface than his character and life.— A few words therefore will explain all that is necessary concerning this collection.

To secure the reader from the apprehension of omissions and interpolations, the place whence each piece is taken, is generally expressed; or, if the notes are silent on this head, an original copy is to be understood, to which the editor still retains access.— It was chiefly for these purposes of authentication, that notes were originally provided: But as it was considered that this work might be read not only by Englishmen and Americans, but by foreigners and posterity; other notes of explanation and anecdote were occasionally added, which will be set aside by other editors, in proportion as they are judged superfluous or improper.— In the miscellaneous part of the collection however, these humbler bounds have been considerably exceeded; the temptation for which, will appear in the places in question. The notes in particular, following the “Conjectures on the Aurora Borealis,” were drawn up in consequence of attacks this paper had suffered among the editor’s private friends. How far his zeal will justify their insertion here, is left to a candid public. But the conjectures of great men speak a strong language. “The matter in question,” they say “contradicts nothing within their own knowledge, and they risque a portion of their reputation upon its truth:” Proofs sufficient to satisfy their candor and caution, they acknowledge to be wanting; But such hints surely deserve study and respect.— Considerable liberties have been taken with the pointing, italics, &c. in these papers; for most of the copies being found imperfect or unsystematic in these particulars, some degree of uniformity was judged allowable, if attended with proper advertisement and apology. The editor may not perhaps at all times have succeeded in his own intentions; but he conceives that the public will take more exception at his interference, than Dr. Franklin.

The times appear not ripe enough for the editor to give expression to the affection, gratitude, and veneration, he bears to a writer he has so intimately studied: Nor is it wanting to the author; as history lies in wait for him, and the judgement of mankind balances already in his favor. The editor wishes only that other readers may reap that improvement from his productions, which he conceives they have rendered to himself.— Yet perhaps he may be excused for stating one opinion: He conceives that no man ever made larger or bolder guesses than Dr. Franklin from like materials in politics and philosophy, which, after the scrutiny of events and of fact, have been more completely verified. Can Englishmen read these things, and not sigh at recollecting that the country which could produce their author, was once without controversy their own!— Yet he who praises Dr. Franklin for mere ability, praises him for that quality of his mind, which stands lowest in his own esteem. Reader, whoever you are, and how much soever you think you hate him, know that this great man loves you enough to wish to do you good: His country’s friend, but more of human kind.

1st DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of General Politics, marked [G.P.] on the top of each leaf. 1. Observations on the increase of mankind, peopling of countries, &c. p. 1 [iv, 225–34]. 2. Remarks on ditto, (particularly respecting the effects which manners have on population,) by R. J. Esq; p. 12 [vi, 75–82]. 3. Plan by Messrs. Franklin and Dalrymple for benefiting distant unprovided countries* p. 37 [xviii, 214–17]. 4. Precaution in China against Famine p. 42 [xx, 442–5]. 5. Positions to be examined (concerning National Wealth.) p. 44 [xvi, 107–9]. 6. Political Fragments (on the subjects of industry, embargoes on corn, poor, effect of dear provisions on manufactures, open trade, &c. and paper-credit.) p. 48 [xxi, 169–77]. 7. On the price of corn, and management of the Poor. p. 57 [xiii, 510–16]. 8. On Smuggling and its various species. p. 64 [xiv, 315–19]. 9. The Way to Wealth*. p. 24 [vii, 326–50]. 10. Parable against Persecution. p. 72 [vi, 114–24]. 11. A letter concerning Dissenters and Persecution; particularly in America. p. 74 [xix, 163–8]. IInd DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects before the present Troubles, marked [A. B. T.] 12. Albany Papers. p. 85 [v, 397–416].

1. Reasons and motives for the plan of union for the colonies in 1754. p. 86

2. Reasons against partial unions. p. 89

3. Plan of union, proposed by Dr. Franklin, and unanimously agreed to by the American commissioners at Albany. p. 91 Albany Papers continued. p. 120 13. Two Letters to Governor Shirley concerning Taxation and Representation. p. 120 [v, 441–7]. 14. A third Letter to the same concerning an union with Great Britain. p. 129 [v, 449–51]. 15. Plan for two Western Colonies in America. p. 133 [v, 456– 63]. 16. Remarks on a plan for regulating Indian affairs in 1762*. p. 222 [xiii, 433–41]. 17. Canada Pamphlet; or the Interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her colonies, and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe; p. 144 [ix, 47–98].

The Introduction; and the following topics; p. 144

1. Of Securities for being at peace; p. 148

2. Canada a security; but forts none; p. 155

3. War in America not for Colonies alone; p. 162

4. The Colonies useful to G. Britain; p. 171

5. The Colonies not dangerous to Great Britain; p. 191

6. The French dangerous in Canada; p. 195

7. Canada easily peopled; p. 200

8. Merits of Guadaloupe overvalued, &c. p. 201 18. Remarks and Facts relative to the American paper money in 1764*. p. 206 [xiv, 76–87]. IIId DIVISION; containing papers upon American subjects during the Troubles, marked [A. D. T.] 19. Causes of the American Discontents before 1768. p. 231 [xv, 3–13]. 20. Letter concerning the Gratitude of America, and the effects of an union with Great Britain; and concerning the repeal or suspension of the Stamp-Act. p. 246 [xiii, 23–6]. 21. Letter from Governor Pownal concerning an equal communication of rights, privileges, &c. between Great Britain and America; p. 252. —With Dr. Franklin’s Remarks. p. 254. 22. Examination of Dr. Franklin before the English House of Commons, relative to the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. p. 255 [xiii, 124–59]. 23. Queries from Mr. Strahan; relative to certain acts of parliament excepted against by America, and the way of composing the dispute; p. 302 [xvi, 233–5]. —With Dr. Franklin’s answers. p. 305 [xvi, 243–9]. 24. A Prussian Edict assuming claims over Britain. p. 315 [xx, 413–18]. 25. Preface to the votes and proceedings in the town of Boston (on the subject of the Tea-Act, &c.) p. 323 [xx, 82–7]. 26. Proceedings and Examination, in the case of Dr. Franklin before the Privy Council; relative to the dismission of Governor Hutchinson, &c. p. 329 [xx, 372–3; xxi, 19–23]. 27. Account of G. Hutchinson’s Letters, &c. p. 339 [xx, 513– 16]. 28. Rules for reducing a Great Empire to a small one. p. 343 [xx, 389–99]. 29. Intended Vindication and Offer from Congress to Parliament, in 1775. p. 357 [xxii, 112–20]. 30. Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend in England, summing up the events of the first campaign of the American war. p. 365 [xxii, 217–18]. 31. Letter from Lord Howe to Dr. Franklin, concerning the first commission for composing the American Troubles; p. 367 [xxii, 483–4]. —With Dr. Franklin’s Answer. p. 370 [xxii, 518–21]. 32. Comparison of Great Britain and America as to Credit. p. 376 [xxiv, 508–14]. IVth DIVISION; containing papers on subjects of Provincial Politics, marked [P. P.] 33. Report of the Committee of Aggrievances of the Assembly in Pennsylvania, in 1757. p. 387 [vii, 136–42]. 34. Letter on a proposed Militia Bill in Pensylvania. p. 396 [xi, 360–5]. 35. Reply to a Protest against the appointment of Dr. Franklin as Agent to Pensylvania. p. 403 [xi, 429–41]. 36. Preface to a Speech of Mr. Galloway concerning the change of the Proprietary into a Royal government, in Pensylvania. p. 419 [xi, 267–308]. Vth DIVISION; containing papers on Miscellaneous and Philosophical Subjects, marked [M. P.] 37. A Reformed Mode of Spelling, with some of its uses, &c. p. 467 [xv, 175–8; 215–20]. 38. On the Vis Inertiae of Matter, in a Letter to Mr. Baxter. p. 479 [iii, 84–9]. 39. Experiments, &c. on the utility of long pointed rods, for securing buildings from damage by strokes of lightning. p. 487 [xix, 244–55]. 40. Conjectures concerning the Aurora Borealis. p. 504 [xxviii, 190–5]. 41. Dr. Franklin’s Epitaph on himself. p. 531 [i, 109–111]. [The pieces included in the Appendix are as follows:] Rules for a Club formerly established in Philadelphia [i, 255–9]. State of the Constitution of the Colonies, by Governor Pownall; with Remarks by Dr. Franklin [xvi, 298–304]. Letter to an unnamed recipient, November 28, 1768 [xv, 272– 3]. Letter to [Joseph Priestley], May 16, 1775 [xxii, 44]. Letter to [Joseph Priestley], July 7, 1775 [xxii, 91]. Letter to [David Hartley], October 3, 1775 [xxii, 216–17].