3 volumes, 8vo (213 x 127 mm). Early half calf, marbled boards, all edges marbled (extremities rubbed, splitting to front joint on third volume, lettering-piece chipped). Provenance: Jay Gould (1836-1892), American railroad magnate (bookplate, library shelf label); R. Manthorp (early ownership signatures on title-pages).

FIRST EDITION OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK. Though best known for his works in botany and medicine, Robert John Thornton was also deeply interested in political questions and dedicated The Politician's Creed to examining the qualities of good government, with sections dedicated to commerce, treaties, war, taxes, agriculture, and poverty.