1st Edition 1881. Presentation inscription from the author to Professor George Davidson. George Davidson 1825 - 1911 was a geodesist, astronomer, geographer, surveyor and engineer in the United States. Metallism is the economic principle that the value of money derives from the purchasing power of the commodity upon which it is based. The currency in a metallist monetary system may be made from the commodity itself (commodity money) or use tokens such as national banknotes redeemable in that commodity. In the broad sense of the term, which tends to be used only by scholars, metallism considers money to be a "creature of the market", a means to facilitate exchange of goods and services. In this broad sense, the essential nature of money is purchasing power, and it does not necessarily need to be backed by metals. Understood in this broad sense, metallism reflects the majority view among mainstream economists, which has prevailed since the early 19th century. The softback book is very good and bright. Edge rubbed, nicked and age toned. Spine wit small surface loss to base. Contents good.