Chapter 3 tell the reader

Since the first edition appeared a long time ago, in early 1759, I have thought of some modifications that could be made, and various good illustrations of the doctrine.But the accidents of my life, which must have absorbed me in various tasks, have hitherto prevented the revision of this work with the care and concentration with which I have often tried to proceed.In this new edition the reader will find the main changes which I have made in the last chapter of Book Three of Volume I, and in the first chapter of Book Four of Book Three.Volume VI, as it appears in the new edition, is entirely new.I have grouped together most of the passages on Stoic philosophy in Book VII, whereas in previous editions they have been scattered in different parts of the book.In the same way, I have endeavored to explain more fully, and examine more definitely some of the doctrines of that well-known school.In the fourth and final article of the same volume I have concentrated on a few additional remarks on the duty and principle of honesty.In addition, there have been a few minor other changes and revisions elsewhere in the book.

In the last paragraph of the first edition of this book, I said that in another book I would endeavor to explain the general principles of law and politics, and the different revolutions they have undergone in different social epochs and periods; Not only justice is involved, but the police, state revenue, armaments, and anything else that becomes the subject of law.In an Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations I have partly fulfilled this promise, at least with regard to the police, national revenue, and armaments.The part on legal theory which I had long planned has hitherto been prevented by the same work which is now preventing me from revising the book.I admit that although I am too old to hope to accomplish this great undertaking, I have not completely abandoned the project, starting from the sense of responsibility that I intend to do what I can do.I hope to continue to finish it, so I put here, without change, this passage written more than 30 years ago.