Stuk 144 - Richard Jones to William Whewell

RJ gives his opinion of William Jacob's book [presumably his 'An Inquiry into the Production and Consumption of the Precious Metals', 2 vols., 1831]: 'all its figures are so thoroughly illusory that you had better not meddle with it. He begins by attempting to estimate the quantity of the precious metals in ancient days from data which are pure guesses and he carries on calculations so founded up to our own times in fact perpetuating and modifying mere dreams. But if you will state distinctly what facts you want I will see if Porter [George R. Porter] can help us. I have not thought of the subject a long time. Poor old Jacob himself has become partially imbecile but his children do not like it talked of'. RJ has been very ill. 'The Pope is making a strange hash out of his half dead privileges. But though we may laugh at his Puppet Bishops and prophesy that English society and English parties will through the public mind feel and perhaps suffer seriously'.