ABSTRACT
That Portion of Things which a Man possesses, or has otherways belonging to him, as a Security, taken all together, the author call the Estate, and the Worth of a Man’s Estate, considered abstractly from the Things which are valued, the author call the computed Value or Extent of a Man’s Estate. Now notwithftanding it is necessary for a Man to have something to give in lieu of what he intends to purchase from others, vet the Price is not always immediately paid, but People will part with their Goods, and trust to the Ability and Honesty of the Buyer tor what they are to receive in Return. Wherefore Men have endeavored to attain a certain Method to be used commonly by them all, and termed it Italian Book-keeping, probably for that the first Attempt made towards it happened in Italy.
