Letter from David Hume to Adam Smith on 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', 1759 [Library reference: MS.3942, ff.34-35].
Both prominent intellectuals or 'literati' of the Scottish Enlightenment, David Hume (1711-1776) and Adam Smith (1723-1790) regularly corresponded with each other.
When Adam Smith wrote 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' in 1759, Hume wrote to him.
In this playful letter to his friend, Hume concocts a series of interruptions to prevent him from revealing to Smith his opinion of Smith's published work.
When he finally comes to the point, Hume declares Smith's work a triumph.
Read more in our David Hume treasures display pages.