The Commercial Law " lies within a narrow compass, and it is far purer and
freer from defects than any other part of the system. This arises from its later
origin. It has grown up within two centuries, or little more, and been formed by
degrees, as the exigency of mercantile affairs required. It is accepted, too, in
many of its main branches, by other States, forming a Code Commercial to all
trading nations, which cannot easily be changed without their general consent.”

Brougham's Speech on the Reform of the Law.

LONDON:

J. & W. T. CLARKE,
LA W BOOKSELLERS AND PUBLISHERS,

PORTUGAL-STREBT, LINCOLN'S-INN.

THIS VOLUME

ON

THE COMMERCIAL LAW

OF ENGLAND

IS DEDICATED TO

LORD TENTERDEN,

WITH

HIS LORDSHIP'S

KIND PERMISSION.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THIS Treatise consists of Four Parts, —

1. THE LAW OF SHIPPING.
2. COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS.
3. BILLS OF EXCHANGE.
4. BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY.

The Author has endeavoured to include in this Volume all the last alterations in the Law, together with the Cases recently decided upon the subject.

He has also been particular in giving the opinions of great Judges upon various points of this important branch of our Jurisprudence, in order that its principles should be the more clearly illustrated.

The Author submits his Work with much respect to the Public at large and to the Profession.