ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the thinkers of a given period as representatives of different styles of thought. It describes their different ways of looking at things as if they were reflecting the changing outlook of their groups. The chapter aims to show both the inner unity of a style of thought and the slight variations and modifications which the conceptual apparatus of the whole group must undergo as the group itself shifts its position in society. It also describes the debate that surrounded the adoption of bullionist monetary policy in the form of the resumption of specie payments by the Bank of England in 1819. The debate spanned the period from 1818 to 1821. The chief merits of Edward Copleston first letter appear to have been its very clear exposition of the situation, a basic agreement with bullionist principles, and very careful assessments of the actual effects of the changes of value—especially in relation to the lower classes.
