MILLAR, John.

Observations concerning the Distinction of Ranks in Society.

London, W. and J. Richardson for John Murray, 1771. 4to, pp. [4], xv, [1] blank, [2] contents, 242 + advertisement leaf; leaves lightly browned with some offsetting, but still a very good copy in full calf antique. First edition. Observations concerning the distinction of ranks in society, Millar’s most important work, is one of the earliest and finest examples of an empirical approach to sociology. ‘Of a remarkably liberal tone, Millar’s study of social rank covers class distinction, the history and condition of women, primitive society, and the relationship between parent and child, and master and servant’ (Voices of Scotland, p. 67). The influence of Montesquieu and, particularly, of Hume’s The Populousness of Ancient Nations is evident. Millar was a supporter of the American cause and an opponent of slavery; both feature in the final chapter, ‘Of the condition of servants in different parts of the world’.Born in Lanarkshire the son of the local minister, Millar (1735–1801) ‘studied law at Glasgow, where he was an intimate of James Watt (1736–1819), the inventor of the steam engine, and where he attended the lectures of Adam Smith. After completion of his studies, Millar spent two years with Lord Kames’s family (through whom he met David Hume). Millar became a proponent of Hume’s metaphysical doctrine and, though they were politically opposed, Hume placed his nephew under Millar’s charge. Adam Smith also showed his esteem by sending his cousin to study under Millar’ (ibid.).Goldsmiths’ 10712; Kress 6805; this edition not in Chuo.

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